Patient Stories - Mark Oberhauser

Mark Oberhauser’s story is one of hope and perseverance. Of the impact of a mother’s love for her son. And of a family’s gratitude for Toronto Rehab’s role in restoring a hero’s quality of life.

Millie Oberhauser was extremely proud and appreciative of her son Mark becoming a police officer. It was his dream to serve the community and help people.

While responding to an emergency call as an officer with Peel Regional Police, not only did Mark’s life change instantly, but so did the lives of his family. With lights and sirens activated, Mark’s cruiser was struck by a transport truck. For Millie, the memory of that day remains forever vivid.

“I had just returned from shopping to find two police officers in our driveway. When we arrived at a local trauma centre, we became quickly aware of how serious it was after seeing an entire team trying to save his life. It was definitely a sobering experience to hear a priest read Mark his last rites twice in front of us.”

With Millie, the rest of his family, friends, and police colleagues by his side, Mark’s courage and determination persevered. After two weeks in intensive care including one week in a coma, Mark was transferred to Toronto Rehab’s renowned brain injury rehabilitation program. It was here he took his first steps toward recovery.

At Toronto Rehab, a caring team helped Mark channel his determination and strength to overcome his injury and work towards his goal of returning to the police force. He benefited from breakthroughs in rehabilitation research and practice that helped him work towards his goal.

“My family and I would notice clear improvements in Mark’s condition on a daily basis with the marvelous support he received at Toronto Rehab. We were there each and every day. It was a great way to see first-hand the wonderful and customized treatment. The care team demonstrated incredible diligence and support towards Mark and my family and included us as often as possible in his treatment plan.”

A team of specialists treated Mark through a focused regimen of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, recreational therapy, social work, neuro psychiatry and speech language pathology. Two years after his accident, Mark achieved his goal – he returned to Peel Regional Police.

For Millie, she had her son back!

“Mark and I have always been close. I believe that Mark’s accident has simply reinforced our closeness and love. After all, Mark isn’t just my son, he’s my hero.”

Mark and Millie have shared their story with us to demonstrate the impact of rehabilitation in restoring hope, confidence, vitality and quality of life for those affected by injury, illness or disability. They wish to educate people about brain injury, about the power of rehabilitation and about the need for more research in this area.

Like Mark, who received unwavering support from his mother, family, friends and colleagues at Peel Regional Police, we too need the support of our donors – our family – to help ensure that stories like Mark’s are part of everyday life at Toronto Rehab.

Thanks to donor support, Toronto Rehab is home to leading rehabilitation programs and the most advanced rehabilitation research program in Canada. In fact, our donors have helped shed new light on the biology of brain injury and how best to treat those affected by these injuries. This research has now informed leading practice at Toronto Rehab and has been shared with other health care providers throughout the province.

Your donation today will ensure Toronto Rehab continues to advance patient care and research so more Moms like Millie will be able to share stories that inspire and move us all.