On Sunday, March 2nd, BC Lung is hosting the 24th annual Climb the Wall fundraising event at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre. Michael Coss, a traumatic brain injury survivor, and returning climber at BC Lung’s Climb the Wall event, is looking forward to taking to the stairs this year. In 2006 Michael Coss was in a terrible car accident, leaving him in a coma for almost 7 months, and with a traumatic brain injury. However, Michael was determined to make the most of his life and quickly started on his road to recovery.
Early in his recovery journey, Michael’s physiotherapist, Pauline Martin, learned about Climb the Wall and set it as a goal for him to advance his progress. Michael has taken part in Climb the Wall for several years now, bringing his positive attitude and enthusiasm to every step.
“I was given a second chance at life for a reason, and it is my mission in life now, to do my part now in helping others, whether it be an individual or an organization like BC Lung”, says Michael.
Committed to living the healthiest lifestyle he can, Michael partakes in numerous physical therapies and always gets lots of exercise, including stair climb training. This determination has allowed him to attain new unheard-of levels in his recovery. Michael’s best time to date to complete the stairs was just over 28 minutes. For Michael, a brain injury survivor, Climb the Wall is like running a marathon for the average, non-injured individual.
When asked what keeps him coming back year after year, Michael responded, “It is by far the very best of organized events that I have participated in, from the organizers to the numerous volunteers, and professionals like the firefighters and the fact that it serves as an excellent source of motivation for me to keep making further progress in my recovery.”
This year’s event will be particularly special as Michael will be joined by both his father and son to complete the stair climb. Michael’ son, only 6 months old at the time of his accident, is now 19 years old, and Michael’s father, now 80 years old, is a huge advocate for Michael and trains with him weekly, “This year really means the most to me, having 3 generations of the Coss family participate in the event”, says Michael.
In addition to Climb the Wall, Michael has been very involved in Rick Hansen’s annual event, Wheels in Motion, and has also raised funds for the Terry Fox Foundation. Michael also wrote a book in 2011 about his experience with TBI, called The Courage to Come Back, “I am now 19 years post-accident and still making small progress in my recovery, whether it be breath by breath, or step by step. Never give up hope is my advice to others.”
