For two decades, the Courage Awards have recognized more than sixty Glenrose patients and caregivers who embody strength, resilience, and the spirit of courage.
This year marks an incredible milestone as we proudly continue that tradition, recognizing four more individuals whose inspiring journeys began at the Glenrose.
Meet this year’s 2025 Courage Award recipients:
Annaliese Meredith Siverns
Born with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a brain injury caused by lack of blood flow and oxygen to the brain at birth, and later diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Anna’s journey began with challenges most children never face. From the very start, the Glenrose has been her second home — a place where therapists, physicians, and psychologists have supported her every milestone.
“The Glenrose has been a huge lifeline for us. We cannot thank them enough for all they’ve brought to her life,” shares her mother, Jill.
Through it all, Anna never let her condition define her. Even after a difficult tendon-lengthening surgery last summer where she spent six weeks in a cast, Anna turned her fears into strength, approaching every challenge with a bright smile. When she returned to the Glenrose, she poured determination into every session, from gait training to adaptive sports to her favourite of all, swim therapy.
“Her journey is marked by not only physical achievements, but also by the personal growth and confidence she has developed over time. Anna continues to inspire those around her with her courage, tenacity, and refusal to give up — no matter the obstacle,” shares Ciara Petkau, Anna’s nominator and occupational therapist.
Jamal Malcolm Daahir & Judith Haughton
For as long as his mother Judith can remember, Jamal has been determined to forge his own path. After moving from British Columbia to Alberta to build a career in scaffolding, life was steady, until one day, everything changed when Jamal sustained a severe traumatic brain injury in July 2023.
Doctors warned Judith to prepare for the worst, but she never gave up hope — and neither did Jamal. With extraordinary determination, he fought his way through surgery, intensive care, and months of rehabilitation at the Glenrose.
“When he first arrived, his challenges were immense,” recalls occupational therapist Mary Thai. “Yet every day, he showed up. His perseverance is truly inspiring.”
From physiotherapy to art and aquatic therapy, Jamal poured his heart into his recovery, gradually reclaiming his independence one day at a time. And Judith never left his side, even moving provinces to support him through every step.
“His courage to push forward gave me the courage to be by his side,” says Judith.
Eric Abrahamson
One morning in June 2023, Eric woke up unable to move his legs. Realizing something was seriously wrong, he called an ambulance and was rushed to an acute care facility in Edmonton. Doctors discovered a spinal infection that had deteriorated bone, pressing against his spinal cord. Just a day earlier, Eric was perfectly fine — now, he was paralyzed.
After several months in hospital, Eric was transferred to the Glenrose where he spent four months in the inpatient program. While his prognosis was uncertain, Eric was determined to prove doctors wrong. He approached his rehab with focus and drive, working tirelessly in physiotherapy, practicing exercises in his room, and embracing every challenge.
“He had clear goals,” recalls his therapist Asya Shiloff-Rogers. “To walk with a walker, transfer independently, and join pool therapy.” The pool became a favourite. “In the water, you don’t have the fear of falling,” Eric says. “It gave me confidence.”
After completing inpatient care, Eric continued outpatient rehabilitation and in December, he was walking again — first with a walker, then on his own.
“They gave me hope that I could keep improving,” he says. His care team calls him an inspiration, regaining independence and motivating others along the way.
From all of us at the Glenrose Hospital Foundation and our Courage Awards sponsors, James H. Brown Injury Lawyers and Global News Edmonton — a heartfelt congratulations to Anna, Jamal, Judith, and Eric on your well-deserved recognitions. Your courage continues to inspire us all.
