Eight Recipients Honoured at the 2026 Courage Awards

The 2026 Courage Awards presented by James H. Brown Injury Lawyers returned to the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital on November 3, celebrating eight remarkable recipients.

“It’s a day that stays with you,” shares Curtis Perrott, interim senior operating officer at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, speaking on the Courage Awards. 

This year’s honourees reflect the many people who make up the Glenrose community. From patients aged 19 to 92, who show us that no two rehabilitation journeys look the same, to the caregivers who stood by their side and community leaders who give their time and support, often without ever being asked — the Courage Awards remind of us one thing: no one makes this journey alone.

Read the stories of our 2026 honourees: Gabrielle Hebert, Nicole Martin, Frieda Claasen, Chelsea Hagen, Dick Cotter, Laurie Hawn, Dallas Smith, and John Chomiak.

Gabrielle Hebert & Nicole Martin

While on a family holiday in Mexico, Gabrielle (Gabby) Hebert suddenly lost feeling in her legs. Rushed to a local hospital, doctors discovered that she had a spontaneous hematoma in her spine that required immediate surgery. Gabby was paralyzed from the waist down.

When the family finally returned home to Alberta, Gabby quickly got to work. Through months of rehabilitation at the Glenrose, she worked hard to regain her strength and independence. Today, Gabby is walking. By her side every step of the way was her mom, Nicole.

That unmistakable mother-daughter bond, combined strength, and resilience are why both Gabby and Nicole are being recognized with this year’s Courage Award and inaugural Caregiver Award.

Frieda Claassen

At 92 years old, Frieda Claassen suffered a stroke that affected her speech, mobility, and use of her right hand. Determined to regain her independence, Frieda worked closely with her rehabilitation team at the Glenrose to rebuild her strength and return to doing the things she loved.

Through months of rehabilitation, Frieda made remarkable progress. By the time she returned home, she was walking without an aid, movement was returning to her hand, and she was singing.

Frieda’s remarkable recovery is a reminder that age does not limit what we can achieve, making her a deserving recipient of this year’s Courage Award.

Chelsea Hagen

Chelsea Hagen was just six months old when she first began receiving care at the Glenrose. Born with cerebral palsy, Chelsea’s faced lifelong challenges with movement and communication. With support from the Glenrose’s I CAN Centre for Assistive Technology, she learned to communicate using an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device.

Nearly 30 years later, Chelsea is using her voice to make a difference for others. In addition to pursuing a Bachelor of English degree, she serves on the board of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, mentors others, and hosts her own podcast, Murder of Words on AAC.

For her determination and commitment to helping others find their voices, we are proud to recognize Chelsea with this year’s Courage Award.

Dallas Smith, Dick Cotter & Laurie Hawn

What started as a simple bike ride around Pigeon Lake has become an annual tradition that brings people together in support of the Glenrose. Eleven years ago, former Glenrose Hospital Foundation Board Trustees Dick Cotter, Dallas Smith, and Laurie Hawn came together with an idea to raise funds for rehabilitation care. That idea became the Courage Ride, which has since welcomed hundreds of riders, volunteers, patients, and supporters, raising more than $680,000 for the Glenrose.

That dedication and the impact they continue to make are why Dick, Dallas, and Laurie are being recognized with this year’s Impact Award.

In Memory of John Willard Chomiak

John Chomiak believed in what the Glenrose could become and dedicated much of his time to helping turn that vision into reality. As a former Chair and member of the Glenrose Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees, John played an important role in advancing rehabilitation care and innovation. He helped champion the vision for the Building Trades of Alberta Courage Centre, which opened in 2010, and supported investments in rehabilitation technology, including the Computer-Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN).

John’s contributions continue to make a difference for Glenrose patients and families today. His leadership, generosity, and belief in creating better opportunities for people receiving rehabilitation care are why he was honoured posthumously with this year’s Legacy Award.

Congratulations to all our 2026 Courage Awards recipients, and thank you to our sponsors: presenting sponsor, James H. Brown Injury Lawyers, Caregiver Award sponsor I C Henderson Family Foundation, welcome sponsor Chartwell Retirement Residences, and exclusive television sponsor Global News.