Our Testimonials
A Mother's Love
An interview with Lynn Newell, mother to TLC participant Kevin L.
Markos Tegegn: As a mother, this has been a life changing experience for you. How do you get the strength to get through it?
Lynn Newell: I don’t know….. One thing I know, I could not have done it or be closer to where I am if I didn’t have the help of TLC and my family. I was lost and helpless. There was no information or support provided to us when we were in a very concerning and frustrating situation at the hospital. It was easy for some of the professionals to give up on Kevin.
MT: Has the journey at TLC made a difference and provided you the adequate support you needed?
LN: Yes, I cannot begin to tell you how happy and thankful I am that a program such as TLC exists. For everyone who has come to give support to Kevin, I have no words to express how thankful we are as a family. In the beginning his Primary Worker Michelle, then Rosselle, and now Oliver, and of course you Markos, you have all done a remarkable job. I could not ask for a better place or a better support team for my son. You all care and I know for sure you know what you are doing here.
MT: If you could share some of your experiences for other parents and family members about what you went though, what words of encouragement would you give them?
LN: I would say, ‘Don’t give up’. As bad as it sounds, don’t settle for only one medical opinion and always have hope. Even the worst situation could turn out to be a life lesson and this could bring your family closer together and stronger than imaginable. The two months my son was in a coma I heard it all and I could have given up easily. But one thing I knew I am going to push and do whatever it takes to save my sons life. Thank you Markos and thank you to all TLC staff for what you do in changing people’s lives. Kevin could not be where he is today if it was for the effort of everyone working together for one goal… to help my son.
A special thank you goes to the staff and management at TLC. Markos and Gord have opened many doors for me and challenged me by providing me with the true meaning of the quality of life and have supported me endlessly.