40 Days • 40 Stories
Forty years of support, connections and community.
In 1986, a small group of people came together because they saw a need in our community. Forty years later, the Lloydminster & Area Brain Injury Society continues to provide connection, support and opportunities for individuals living with acquired brain injuries and their families.
Over 40 days, we’re sharing the people, memories, milestones and community support that helped shape LABIS.
This is our story. And it has always been a community story.
40 Days • 40 Stories
Over 40 days, we’re sharing the people, memories, milestones and community support that helped shape LABIS.
Day 1
Where It Began
Every organization has a beginning. For LABIS, that beginning came in 1986.
Day 2
Recognition
Mayor Gerald Aalbers recognized LABIS with a Certificate of Congratulations in honour of our 40th anniversary — a meaningful acknowledgement of four decades of connection, support and community.
Day 3
Doris Laybourne
After her son Grant sustained a traumatic brain injury in a horse accident, Doris Laybourne joined other local families in 1986 to help establish LABIS. Her years of volunteering and raising awareness helped build a lasting community of connection, support, and friendship.
Day 4
Dianne Wilkinson (Mohan)
Dianne attended LABIS in the mid-1990s. A passionate businesswoman with grit and fire, she challenged people to look beyond disability and recognize her abilities and worth. Her son-in-law Kelly shares a personal reflection on her story—and the person behind it.
Day 5
Pat Tenney
After her father Alex Foster suffered a stroke, Pat Tenney recognized the need for local brain injury support. Her 1985 community needs assessment helped bring families together and led to LABIS’s formation in January 1986. We remember a founder, volunteer, and community builder whose legacy continues today.
Day 6
20 Years in the Community
On July 12, 2006, LABIS celebrated its 20th anniversary year in the Lloydminster Exhibition Parade. Our float declared, “Blooming in your community for the past 20 years!” Two decades later, we look back on that celebration as we mark 40 years of interaction, support, and friendship.
Day 7
Brian
From trips to Georgetown and the parade to Christmas parties, Michelle’s birthday, and seeing Mr. and Mrs. Spiro, Brian’s memories are filled with people and shared experiences. One line captures it best: “Brian enjoys everyone at LABIS!!!” Thank you to Brian and his sister for sharing these memories.
Day 8
Jeff
After sustaining a brain injury at 18, Jeff began attending LABIS in 1998 to overcome isolation and connect with others. Nearly three decades later, LABIS remains a place where he maintains friendships, spends time with his peers, and feels a sense of belonging.
Day 9
Wayne
After a series of strokes, Wayne found friendship, laughter, and belonging at LABIS. Affectionately known as “The Grinch,” he loved sharing games and couldn’t wait to tell his wife, Susan, about his day. Those friendships continued through visits when his health changed, and LABIS participants helped honour his life at his memorial service.
Day 10
Susan
Susan’s connection to LABIS began in 1996 through her work at Lakeland College and grew into years of volunteering, presenting, and serving on the board. Her connection became personal when her husband, Wayne, became a participant following a series of strokes. Susan’s story reflects how LABIS supports not only individuals living with acquired brain injuries, but also their families and loved ones.
Day 11
Borden
Borden became a beloved part of the LABIS community after a serious accident resulted in a brain injury. Known for his kindness, quiet humour, and love of Indigenous culture, he made a lasting impact on participants, staff, volunteers, and friends. Since his passing in 2024, Borden has been remembered with great affection as someone who was truly part of the LABIS family.
Day 12
Matt
Matt is one of the newer faces at LABIS and has quickly become a welcome part of the group. He enjoys spending time with everyone and especially looks forward to playing cards. His story is a reminder that LABIS is about connection, friendship, and having a place where people feel comfortable and included.
Day 13
Grant
Grant’s story is closely tied to the beginning of LABIS after a serious brain injury changed his life and inspired his family to help create greater local support. He became one of LABIS’s earliest participants and, over the years, was known for his kindness, curiosity, and welcoming nature. Grant remains an important part of the story of why LABIS exists and how it continues to support people living with acquired brain injuries and their families.
Day 14
Taylor
For Taylor, some of the best LABIS memories are the everyday moments — sharing laughs, trying new activities, and building meaningful connections. As Program Director, she helps create a space where participants feel comfortable, included, and connected. That sense of connection is at the heart of LABIS and has helped carry the organization through 40 years.
Day 15
Colleen Young
MLA Colleen Young congratulated LABIS on 40 years of supporting individuals living with acquired brain injuries and their families. She recognized the dedication of the staff, volunteers, families, and supporters who have helped LABIS grow and serve the community. LABIS is grateful for her recognition of this important milestone and the organization’s continued impact in Lloydminster and area.
How LABIS Began
LABIS began because people in our community recognized a need for local support for individuals living with acquired brain injuries and their families. What started as a small community effort grew into an organization that has now served Lloydminster and area for 40 years.
1985
A community needs assessment identified a lack of local support for people living with brain injuries and their families.
January 14, 1986
Eighteen people attended an information meeting in Lloydminster and agreed that a local brain injury society was needed.
February 1986
A slate of officers was elected, helping formally establish the new organization.
1987
The Life Enrichment Program began, creating regular programming and support for people living with acquired brain injuries.
1993
Demand for LABIS programming had grown significantly, with the Life Enrichment Program reaching capacity.
Today
LABIS continues to provide programs, outreach, information, support and community connection for individuals living with acquired brain injuries and their families.
Help Build the Next 40 Years
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For 40 years, community support has helped LABIS provide programs, connection and support to individuals living with acquired brain injuries and their families.
Your support helps make sure that continues.