When Shaniff Esmail met Donna Cornet at St. Mary's Hospital in Camrose in 1989, he didn't know the extent of the impact the multiple sclerosis patient would have on him and his future occupational therapy students. As the University of Alberta's Department of Occupational Therapy said goodbye to Donna Cornet at her memorial service on Tuesday, they remember a woman of strength, perseverance and love - she is survived by her husband of more than 20 years, Rudy. The couple first met at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital where both were patients.
Donna was a guest speaker for OT classes taught by Esmail, associate chair, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine. Rudy had sustained a brain injury after he was hit by a van while cycling in 1989. Together, the couple functioned as a unit, often wearing colour-coordinated shirts. He helped her with her physical care and she supported his memory. Esmail would teach the OT process to students using Donna as a guide. Students appreciated being able to do range of motion assessment, muscle testing and interviewing and other learning activities with Donna. Both Rudy and Donna made themselves accessible to the students outside of class as well.
Last week when Donna was very ill, Esmail rushed to the hospital to visit her. He spent more than two hours reading more than hundred student e-mail messages to wish Donna well:
As Occupational Therapy students in the field of medicine, it can be easy for us to see a person by what physical needs we can assist them with. We look at their bones, muscles and systems and figure out what we can do to make them better. You, Donna, quickly taught us how much more there is to working with people. You taught us countless lessons. You taught us about MS, you taught us about sexual, loving relationships between people, and you taught us the importance of looking to a person to prioritize their needs.
Because of you, we will be graduating this summer as more empathetic and knowledgeable therapists, and you will continue to live on for years and years and years through the better support that we will be able to provide to our clients.
-Paula Shyba, MSc OT student
Wherever I go, I will always take with me, both in my mind and heart, the message of respecting my clients and asking what works for them - that behind everything and everyone I see, there is a person who has feelings, values, beliefs, and a story of their own. Sometimes I'm not as good in putting thoughts into words, but I'll say you have most definitely made a difference in the way I view life, and in the way I will think as a student now and as an OT in the future.
-Melanie Der, MSc OT student
I remember meeting you in my first week as an OT student in September. I had just moved from home for the first time a week prior to this and was feeling uneasy about being on my own. But as I sat in class that day listening to your stories of going through rehabilitation together and falling in love, I knew I had made the right decision to start my education as an OT here at the U of A.
Donna, you are a firecracker and I am sure that you are still not afraid to give the healthcare staff a piece of your mind. You have inspired generations of OTs and taught me the importance of listening.
-Marissa Lo, MSc OT student
I know you have provided myself and my classmates with reaffirmation as to why we chose OT and why we will be motivated to do the best that we can for our future clients. The teachings from you and Rudy are ones I will always keep with me - not only as an OT but as an individual living my own life.
You and Rudy are both inspirational. Not only do I admire the two of you individually, but also your beauty and compassion as a couple. It is clear that you two were made for each other and I am blessed to have met both of you. Some of my favourite memories are your matching t-shirts and how you named your legs, Donna! I am so appreciative of your sense of humor, kindness, generosity, resilience and strength.
-Kirsten Jette, MSc OT student
Separately and together, they have suffered trials that no one should be subjected to, but Donna and Rudy have the most magnificent take on life. When Donna realized that she had to travel in wheelchair for the rest of her life, Rudy comforted her by telling her that there was no need to walk because he would carry her around. Donna doesn't need an OT to help with transfers because she insists that the cuddle time that the couple get from Rudy carrying her is invaluable.
Donna has spent 25 years in her chair and does not regret a minute of it because she is "just having too much fun." She tells us that she does not have time to sulk about her situation. A half hour interview with our class clearly tires Donna, but she cracks jokes and welcomes all student questions. Donna and Rudy's input and interpretation of the work that occupational therapists do is invaluable to students just starting to learn of the responsibilities of the profession.
-Christa Ettrich, MSc OT student
At the hospital, Esmail knew Donna was worried about Rudy. What would happen to Rudy without Donna? Esmail reassured Donna that Rudy will continue to be have an important role as a client educator with the OT department - his role will continue to be meaningful. He will continue to impact the OTs of tomorrow.
After reading all the messages, Donna typed on her board, "Thank you. I'm tired. It's time to go."
As a couple, Donna and Rudy made learning come alive for our students for two decades. A whole generation of occupational therapists has benefitted from the unique opportunity to view learning tools (videos, web-based case studies, etc.), followed by real life, engaging encounters with the couple. These meaningful learning experiences are impressed into the memories of all students who graduate from our program. For me, Donna and Rudy were the epitome of functional independence and living life to the fullest, in one's home. The OT program is forever grateful to this loving couple for generosity and enduring commitment to educating well over 2000 OT students over past 20 years.
-Lili Liu, Chair, Department of Occupational Therapy