When Determination Meets Caring

Rebecca Clark is a very social woman, a great communicator with a sharp sense of humor and a talent for getting along with everyone. She is also a determined woman. In fact, her mother, Terry Clark, says she’s “a little on the stubborn side,” adding that her stubborn streak has helped her deal with challenges she has faced in life.

And there have been challenges. Rebecca has cerebral palsy, uses a power wheelchair, and is non-verbal but uses a complex augmentative communication system. Although her mobility was limited, until seven years ago, she could walk with assistance. Then she severely dislocated her right kneecap, leaving her unable to bear weight on her right leg, which resulted in the loss of her mobility and independence. She was in near constant pain, and the affected leg often went into painful spasms. After many medical and surgical consultations, she was told the knee couldn’t be surgically repaired.

One of her orthopaedic surgeons referred her to Dr. Chris Boulias, Medical Lead for West Park’s renowned Spasticity Management Program, who uses Botox to treat spasticity. West Park is Canada’s leading authority on the diagnosis and treatment of spasticity. This referral was life-changing for Rebecca.

Once Rebecca began receiving care from Dr. Boulias, the frequent spasms and contractures were eliminated but her mobility was still restricted. “The Botox treatments made a big difference in her life,” says Terry. “Dr. Boulias could see how motivated she was, and the two of them developed a very special bond that continues to this day.”

After several years, the Clarks were referred to an orthopaedic surgeon who developed a plan to rebuild her knee and leg.

The complex surgery took place in January 2023 and after 10 days in acute care, Rebecca was admitted to West Park for rehabilitation. She spent two months as an inpatient and, by the time she left, was no longer wearing a leg brace, was able to stand, put weight on both legs and do pivot transfers.

Her parents, Terry and father Doug, spent every day with her at West Park, and what they saw impressed them. “We’ve been in lots of hospitals during her 40 years,” says Terry, “but this was truly a remarkable experience. The collaborative whole team approach made West Park a great place for Rebecca to be. She reached her goals, and she might never have gotten there without West Park.”

The Clarks have become donors to West Park, providing support to the spasticity program and “West Park Hero” gifts in recognition of two members of Rebecca’s care team. “We are so grateful for what Dr. Boulias and West Park have done for Rebecca,” says Doug. “We are in a position to be able to give back and hope that we can help others to ’get their lives back,‘ as Rebecca has.”

The Clarks were impressed when they had an opportunity to tour the new hospital building as it approached completion. Says Terry, “It was exciting to see the great new things that are happening, and to know that our financial support would help make things better for future patients. Our goal is to help more people have the West Park experience.”