On that fateful day over 11 years ago, Angus McDonald was riding his mountain bike home from work as part of his daily fitness regimen.
A distracted driver hit Angus on his bike. He was a very experienced cyclist and would never have imagined this would happen to him.
"Three guys with first responder training stopped and helped me until the ambulance and R.C.M.P. got to the scene." Angus said. "If it wasn't for them and wearing a helmet I wouldn't be here."
Angus's injuries were extensive. He slipped into a coma. From Prince George, he was flown to Vancouver General Hospital where he was assessed and treated for one month. His sister, who is a nurse in Edmonton, requested Angus be transferred to University of Alberta Hospital where he could have family support. He was flown to Edmonton.
"For three months after my accident, I had no idea I had a family," Angus said. "My mind was completely blank. I would wake up, look around and have no idea where I was. I couldn't tell you my name, what year it was, nothing. I was in two different hospitals in Edmonton and I didn't know at the time where I was or what was going on."
In addition to suffering a moderate to severe brain injury, Angus severed three fingers from hitting the side-view mirror of the car that hit him. He also sustained extensive nerve damage on the left side of his body upon explosive impact with the pavement. With the exception of a metal plate inserted to keep his one eye in place, Angus did not break other bones or lose any teeth.
After spending three months in three different hospitals, Angus returned home to Prince George and started piecing his life back together. He had been employed at Canfor as an engineer. His career was gone. What life he had previously was gone.
For the first five years post-injury, Angus struggled with double vision, balance issues, constant nausea and extreme sensitivity to light and noise. He suffered with poor memory and still does to this day. It was uncomfortable for him to be upright whether it was standing or sitting. Lying down or sitting in an incline position were the only ways Angus felt comfortable and able to function.
Angus attended a few group sessions at BIG (Brain Injured Group). Because of feeling very uncomfortable sitting up and having problems following conversations, Angus said he became frustrated and stopped attending. This did not, however, interfere with his healing and recovery.
"I am a very independent person. I'm old school and used to working out problems on my own."
Even though Angus may have not aware at the time, he focused on the three main areas that are recommended for brain injured folks to follow - proper diet, exercise and adequate sleep. Prior to his injury, Angus had been on a vegan diet for many years. He continued his healthy eating habits. As his physical endurance and strength improved, Angus slowly reintroduced exercise into his daily routine.
Angus says it's been years of slow, slow recovery. Now he's actively involved in weight training, cycling, hiking, canoeing and cross country skiing. He also volunteers his time doing maintenance at the ice oval. He's very happy about his healthy lifestyle, particularly during the current pandemic.
Angus requested public acknowledgment of the three rescuers who stopped at the accident scene. Terry Teegee, Peter Hughes and Ron Davies are proof that angels live amongst us.
