Teen hit by vehicle causing traumatic brain injury making huge strides in recovery

Less than a month after being hit by a car in Westboro on her way to school, Audrey is making huge progress in her recovery.

Speaking to CityNews Ottawa, Audrey’s uncle and local veterinarian, Ian Cameron, said that 15-year-old Nepean High School student has been positive considering the circumstances of her traumatic injuries.

“It’s been a pretty emotional time for everybody, like the tears from suspected grief —  we didn’t know how things would work out — to tears of joy when she first spoke,” he said.

On Sept. 30, the teen was riding her scooter to school with her brother, when she crossed the street at Carling Avenue and Saigon Court. A car did not stop and struck Audrey, launching her over the vehicle and onto the road.

“She was on life support and seizing from the impact to her head, and she had fractured pelvis and her left knee, so they had her induced under anesthesia, basically for 36 hours,” Cameron said.

Police called the injuries to Audrey life-threatening.

It was a stressful two days for the tight-knit family. When the teen awoke, she was not able to speak, adding to the worry of what the future would hold. Cameron said Audrey needs to relearn how to talk and walk and will need significant rehabilitation physically and mentally, which is why he created a GoFundMe.

“We know that this kind of therapy can cost millions of dollars over time,” he said.

‘The most incredible thing’

The most amazing part about Audrey’s recovery journey is that after a few weeks, she is already able to speak in sentences, Cameron said.

“She’s actually having conversations, which is the most incredible thing,” he said.

Due to her injuries the family is making sure the conversations are light so her brain isn’t put through too much strain. Cameron said he focuses on the kitten Audrey wants or how much she loves sushi. Talking about music or bands that she likes and getting back to doing her art are some of the other topics.

The goal is to give Audrey a positive environment during her recovery.

A talented artist and lover of animals

The worry for the family is the lasting impact on Audrey, who before this incident, was living a happy, normal life.

Cameron said his niece is a talented artist who is passionate about pottery and making jewellery. She spent a lot of time at Cameron’s veterinarian clinic, where her dad also works, because she loves animals.

“She’s just a phenomenal artist, and she has her whole life ahead of her,” Cameron said. “We’re interested in making sure that she doesn’t have hurdles to face as she gets older, and rehabilitation therapy is crucial to ensure that. We’re going to do everything we can to.”

Cameron is hosting an event night at the Heart and Crown on Preston Street on Nov. 21 that will feature many local musicians in honour of Audrey.

“It’s just a celebration of life and the fact that she’s still with us,” he said. “I’m just so happy that we have really good support from friends through everything.”