Summerland’s Casey Gallagher empowers others by example

Despite severe brain injury sustained decades ago a Summerland woman has found a way to help others facing challenges.

At age 15 years, Casey Gallegher, now 37, was in a car accident that left her in a coma for two years.

Today she makes and sells beaded bracelets to raise money for Agur Lake Camp, the province’s only barrier-free wilderness campground.

Located in the mountains 15 km from Summerland, the camp is for people of all ages with various abilities to enjoy nature in a safe, inclusive environment.

The two decades between the accident and Casey’s involvement with the camp were filled with seemingly insurmountable obstacles but also significant achievements fueled by the determination of her mother, Jeannette Poulsen.

Eight months after the accident and after fighting bureaucracy, Poulsen brought Casey home.

“I knew her only chance would be if she were home,” Poulsen said, a working single mother with the daunting task of organizing and financing therapy sessions and round-the-clock care.

A total of 17 months after the crash, Casey spoke her first word -- Meggie, the name of the family dog.

“My heart was bursting,” said

Poulsen, reflecting on the moment.

More words and then sentences followed plus intense therapy, including at the G.F. Strong rehabilitation clinic in Vancouver.

Eventually, Poulsen was able to arrange for her daughter to live in her own home with assistance from caregivers.

“I want to thank Casey’s caregivers Heather Lamb and Stephanie Marchand for all their help,” said Poulsen, who along with Casey’s stepfather lives in a carriage house at the rear of the property.

Over five years ago, Poulsen suggested to Casey that she make bracelets.

Limited to the use of one hand, Casey strings the beads together using a plastic form and then a caregiver ties the knot.

Clay MacKenzie helps Casey purchase materials and takes her to the locations where she sells the bracelets.

Clay, who was injured in a hitand-run accident 16 years ago, met Casey at the Brain Injury Society in Penticton.

“At first they were only friends and then became partners in a committed loving relationship,” Poulsen said.

With her outgoing personality and engaging smile, Casey is a natural for marketing her product.

She was able to donate $700 to the BC-SPCA before focusing on Agur Lake Camp.

“So far Casey has raised over $2,000 for the camp,” Poulsen said.

The bracelets are available at the Beanery Café and the Sunflower Ukrainian Café in Summerland.

They are also sold at Agur Lake Camp where Casey enjoys the surrounding nature for several days each summer.

“It’s her job now,” Poulsen said. Ever the entrepreneur, Casey wants to expand her customer base.

Anyone wishing to buy bracelets or offer them for sale at their place of business, contact Poulsen at 250-486-3360 or email: jc.poulsen@hotmail.com.