Celebrating the world of difference that community makes on World Autism Awareness Day
Brody Thomson is all smiles during a recent outing to a Winnipeg mall.
A smile from Brody Thomson is worth more than a thousand words—Thomson’s smile radiates endless joy, fulfillment, and gratitude. Not only does Thomson’s smile light up the room, his words and laughter speak volumes about his good mood and his good health.
But, Thomson wasn’t always smiling like he is today.
In October 2020, a then-24-year-old Thomson was rushed to HSC after his mom, Joan Leslie-Thomson, noticed he had lost the colour in his lips. Thomson lives with severe seizure disorder and autism. Thomson speaks very little and relies on the care of his family, the familiar comforts of his home, and medications for seizures, anxiety, rage, pain, and to sleep.
“Brody went from independently eating to having zero interest in food and being unable to take his medicine. Brody lost over 100 pounds in a matter of months,” recalls Joan.
Brody Thomson during his eight-month stay at HSC. “Everyone made a tremendous effort to make sure their time with Brody was a success. We are all on Team Brody!,” says Joan Leslie-Thomson.
Throughout Thomson’s eight-month stay at HSC, he persevered through pneumonia, another infection, multiple COVID-19 tests, and more. All of this would have been that much more difficult without the care and compassion of the staff on HSC’s GH4 unit. “HSC truly looked at what Brody needed as an individual—we all wanted a happy, healthy Brody,” says Joan.
A grinning Brody Thomson at home shortly after he was discharged from HSC in May 2021.
Since being discharged in May 2021, Thomson has transitioned back to his day program and has gained almost all of his weight back. Thomson has made major improvements with mobility by standing for 30 seconds at a time and becoming increasingly comfortable with his specialized walker, which recently assisted Brody in taking his first steps since November 2020. Thanks to Thomson’s determination, loving family, and supportive community, he is not only making great strides in getting back to his pre-hospitalized self, but he is also discovering new activities—like weekly outings to a Winnipeg mall.
During one of Thomson’s recent visits to the mall, a friendly, familiar face to Thomson said hello to him. Thomson said hi in return and beamed his signature smile—a greeting reserved for those closest to him.
“I have no doubt that the lady who greeted Brody was a staff member on HSC’s GH4 unit. Brody still recognizes them and is grateful for their help and genuine care,” says Joan. “Brody is in a great space. He has very few rages and his sleep is better than ever. We are forever grateful for the care from HSC.”
The sentiment of “we all want a healthy, happy Brody” couldn’t be truer. And thanks in large part to the staff on HSC’s GH4 unit, Brody Thomson is just that.
To support the care of patients like Brody Thomson, please click here, or call 204-515-5612 or 1-800-679-8493 (toll-free). To read more about Thomson’s road to recovery, please click here and view page 12 here. To learn more about World Autism Awareness Day and how you can be an ally, click here.
By Natasha Havrilenko
