Music Meets Medicine: Allison’s Brain

Robert McMechan and his wife Allison Woyiwada recently released Allison’s Brain, a book they wrote together. It is the story of Allison’s medical journey, from diagnosis to recovery.

Woyiwada was diagnosed with a large brain aneurysm in 2011. In a surgery that followed, the aneurysm was clipped. After the procedure, Woyiwada experienced severe physical and cognitive problems.

Before her diagnosis Woyiwada was a music teacher at Hopewell Elementary School. Upon her retirement, a wing of the school was dedicated to her continuing legacy. The Allison Woyiwada Music Award was established and is now given to students at Hopewell School annually.

Although she was unable to stay musically active due to her debilitating medical condition, Woyiwada’s love for music remained near and dear to her.

Years later, Woyiwada has made an astonishing recovery. She regained physical and cognitive strength and function to the extent that she was able to sing with the Ottawa Brahms Choir in December 2013. In April 2014, she also staged a children’s musical she wrote.

McMechan and Woyiwada hosted a breakout session at the Brain Injury Association of Canada’s 11th annual conference, held in Gatineau, QC. The husband and wife duo shared more about the book and Woyiwada’s story with attendees of the conference.

A book launch for Allison’s Brain was also held at the conference. The event celebrated the release of the book, but more importantly, Allison’s tremendous medical progress.

The book is available for purchase online through Friesen Press in hardcover, paperback and e-book format.

To read more about Allison’s medical journey, you can visit her blog.