Joan Kawaguchi was a patient in the Oncology Rehabilitation Service in the spring of 2002. After five years of good health following treatment for breast cancer, last year Joan learned that the cancer had spread to her bones, including her spine and pelvis. Weakened by the cancer, her bones began to break under the pressure of normal activity.

At the Oncology Rehabilitation Service Joan found the inpatient rehabilitation program she needed to help her build the strength and confidence to walk again without fear of further injury. "I'm at the point where I can walk with a cane. I'm off the walker and wheelchair now," she says. Joan has even resumed baking - one of her favourite activities.

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Prisca Sebaratnam sustained severe injuries when hit by a car in front of her home. She was admitted to the Trauma Rehabilitation Service after spending weeks at St. Michael's Hospital, where she underwent surgery and treatment for multiple injuries.

"When I came to Toronto Rehab, I couldn't do anything. I couldn't even move," Prisca says. Slowly, she sees that she is making progress.

Day by day, it's the little things that now mean so much to Prisca. "Even simple things like talking, eating or combing my hair - for me these little steps that might be insignificant to other people make a big difference," she says. "This is the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with, and with so many people helping me, hopefully I'll be able to get through it."

Her goal is clear: "to get my life back as much as I possibly can. I've never had so much fight or determination in my life."

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