Miracle Recovery and Inspiration with Candice Kirkbride - Nov. 13, 2023

Life - Musings, Reflections and Stories

“She found Strength and Gratitude in the Pain”

Recap: It’s a miracle that Candice is alive because at age 15, Candice Kirkbride was seriously injured by a drunk driver while walking along a road with her friends. Unfortunately, her friend who was with her was killed when the car ran over AJ breaking his bones and crushing his organs. Candice was bleeding from her head from traumatic brain injuries.

Full version description: It’s a miracle that Candice is alive. In a small Northern Ontario town of Val Therese (part of Greater Sudbury, Ontario) on March 11, 2001, at age 15, Candice Kirkbride left a house party with some of her friends but sadly, she was seriously injured by a car while walking on Deschene Road. Unfortunately, her friend who was with her, Andrew Jesse (A.J.) Chaput was killed when the car ran over AJ breaking his bones and crushing his organs. He died in friends' arms.

The driver was intoxicated as he too had attended a house party but was impaired when he left and drove right at them during that dark, rainy night. Candice was lying on the road as she was hit hard and bleeding from serious head injuries. When she awoke from a coma, fifteen days later, on March 26th, she suffered immensely with traumatic brain injuries, reconstructive surgery, had a stroke, loss vision in her eyes, partial paralysis and had to learn how to walk again. In a flash, her life was changed forever because of a drunk driver.

Years later, Candice had met the driver who changed her life so tragically and after much discussion, forgave the young man. We talked about the power of forgiveness. The young man had tried to make amends with the world and saved other lives as a firefighter but died from a drug overdose, years later.

Candice suffers with constant physical and emotional pain but that doesn’t stop her from sharing her life-changing journey. She inspires us to challenge ourselves to turn our lives around to a better life as long as we focus on not giving up and instead focus on love, resilience, forgiveness and faith. Her former principal from Confederation Secondary School in Val Caron, Ontario (the same school I attended for my Gr. 12 & 13) wrote a wonderful letter of recommendation of his former student, Candice who evolved to be a highly motivating strong speaker on behalf of Toastmasters where she shares her message of hope, courage and perseverance.

Happiness is at the front of her mind everyday despite the challenges she continues to face. She does not want to be defined by that one fateful night. She has dedicated herself to inspiring others to find happiness in their life. Candice’s message touches each person differently. Whether it’s through her story of recovery, overcoming adversity or forgiving those who have wronged her, she has experienced so much in her young life and yet still smiles at each person she meets. She truly is beautiful.

Candice also authored an inspiring book, “Changed By The Rain” – Life after a Brain Injury which she discusses her healing journey and over 1,000 books have already been ordered. You can order directly from Candice’s website: www.changedbytherain.com. This book of her life story, poems and strategies will help inspire you to change your life as Candice has hers.

Candice also has a podcast on candidmoments.ca and is also the producer of a show that she created on Eastlink cable TV-ch.10/610. Surprisingly, Candice is a Latin & Ballroom dancer of which her eyes light up because she loves to dance so much, even though she is “dancing with the pain.” She is looking forward to her next dance competition sponsored by Easter Seals which is an organization dedicated to helping children and youth with physical disabilities to carve their own path into the world with assurance and autonomy.

Candice has spoken to thousands as a Motivational Speaker and especially to high school students about “drinking and driving”, overcoming adversity and the power of our choices. On her Facebook account – she shares wonderful uplifting memes and words of encouragement. She is an inspiration and if you want a captivating, passionate Motivational Speaker, then please reach out to Candice through her Facebook account or through her website: www.changedbytherain.com. Thank you, Candice for being my guest on my podcast. You really inspired me.

NOTE: The dangers with drinking and driving increases the risk of accidents due to impaired motor skills, less concentration, slow reaction times, decreased vision and poor judgment. These side effects put the driver, potential passengers, other vehicles and pedestrians at risk. Accidents involving drunk drivers are often fatal. A blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08 percent is considered legally impaired. However, alcohol can start to affect many of your senses after one drink. No Matter the circumstances, you should never drink and drive. It’s not worth the risk of putting yourself and others in danger. Also, Driving while High is a dangerous mix. Driving under the influence of marijuana or any other drug is illegal. Marijuana causes problems with memory, attention and affects judgment, concentration, reaction time and coordination. This can lead to car crashes. In fact, drivers weave in the lane the same way after marijuana use as they do after alcohol use. The body does not process marijuana like alcohol. The dose, strength and way it is used (such as smoked, vaped or eaten) affects each person differently. While alcohol is the most common cause of motor vehicle crashes for impaired drivers of all ages, marijuana is the second, according to government data. Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teens and young adults. If impaired, don’t drive. Call someone, call your parents, take a taxi, and just don’t take that risk to drive while intoxicated or high. Be a safe driver.