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Boisvert spent another five months in rehab. Specialists helped him regain his strength and balance and taught him how to navigate stairs and uneven surfaces.

Still, when he got home, basic chores, like cooking and cleaning, took a frustratingly long time to complete. He also re-injured his left foot when he slipped in the bathtub.

“Everyone was so helpful … and then suddenly you’re back by yourself. It was a big, big change.”

Gradually, he regained his independence and started picking up new sports, just as he imagined he would, including tennis, mountain biking, golf and kayaking.

The local community also raised $20,000 to help with expenses, including renovations to his home (he had to widen doors to allow for wheelchair access).

Inspired by an image he saw of a phoenix rising from the ashes at the hospital, Boisvert got a tattoo of a phoenix on his left calf last year. He also picked up a dog from the rescue shelter named Lola.

Photo by Christinne Muschi / National Post

“She actually helped me a lot mentally. … I consider her almost like a service dog.”

This year he resumed teaching phys-ed at his local high school. He also started giving motivational talks to business groups, entrepreneurs, young hockey players and students — talks that touch on perseverance, overcoming doubts and achieving “great things even after the darkest hour.”

Boisvert was ecstatic to learn recently that the Golden search-and-rescue team had built a small shelter along Canyon Creek equipped with an S.O.S. beacon. They also installed signs along the creek telling people who get lost to not follow the stream.

“Really glad that things are improving,” he says. “No matter what, there’ll be people who push the limit and will make mistakes.”

Speaking of pushing the limits, the adrenaline junkie tried skiing for the first time last winter. He says it was the most fun he’d had since his misadventures in B.C.

Next year, he wants to try surfing.

With translation from Jacob Dubé

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