Rest in Peace, Sarah Burke

Sadly, Sarah Burke, Canadian Freestyle Skier, died on January 19, 2012 after suffering a severe head injury during a training run on January 10, 2012. Burke leaves behind her husband, Rory Bushfield, family, friends, respected colleagues and adoring fans.

My heart, first and foremost, goes out to her immediate circle of family and friends. The heartbreak of losing a loved one is formidable. Ms. Burke, at 29 years old, was a promising and talented athlete; she was known for living life to the fullest and for being an exemplary role model in her community.

She inspired women, in particular, young women to go after their dream – no matter how big or how small. Burke was a pioneer forging ahead in uncharted territory. It was her dream to be an Olympic champion and she advocated for many years to have her sport included. She succeeded in her quest and was to compete in the next Olympics. She was favoured to win a gold medal and although she won’t be there, she won for women around the globe with changing the face of the Olympics. Undoubtedly, she had so much more to do and so much more to give.

Traveling the grief journey is frightening, lonely, and long. Each of us that have walked this path can attest to the chaotic and unpredictable days ahead for her loved ones. There is no doubt they will have unprecedented support as they prepare to say their goodbyes and lay Ms. Burke to rest. This is painful and difficult to do at the best of times; it must be even more so when done with the eyes of the world watching.

It is a bit of a catch-22 - while it’s wonderful and comforting for the family to know that others share in their loss, they need privacy in the coming days as well. As long as the media and fans send their prayers and heartfelt condolences from a respectful distance, then the family’s needs will be met and others will have an opportunity to share their feelings too.

The other part of me is saddened that yet another life is taken from a brain injury. Yes, Burke was wearing a helmet and sometimes, it doesn’t make a difference. Her injury put her into cardiac arrest at the scene and she suffered extensive brain damage from lack of oxygen. Perhaps this is why her death hits so close to home for me. My husband was also wearing a helmet when he was injured and his injury thrust him into cardiac arrest too, leaving him with significant oxygen deprivation and brain damage as a result. He also died months later of a cardiac arrest. Still, I advocate strongly for helmet use on the mountains, in the streets and on walkways. Many more are saved than die – helmets do make a difference!

Please continue to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle or bicycle and/or playing hockey, snowboarding, skiing, or riding small wheeled vehicles (inline skates, scooters and skateboards). Stay safe, have fun and remember the heroes whose lives were lost far too soon, yet who will remind of us of how precious life is for years to come.

May you rest in peace, Sarah Burke. You made a difference in this world and you won’t be forgotten. My heartfelt condolences go to her family.