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Abstract

Many families have experienced the pain of living with a family member who has a neurological illness. This experience has far reaching implications for all members of the family. For some people, this experience makes them feel closer to their families, for others it is too painful and causes detachment. Informed by ecological systems theory, structural family theory and theories on loss and grief, a qualitative study based on semi-structured personal interviews was conducted. The sample consisted of four women and one man who had experienced neurological illness in their families. These interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed for emergent themes. The analysis of the data gives voice to five courageous family stories. The first emergent theme explores some of the challenges faced by participants at the onset and during progression of their family member's illness. Theme two focuses on the divisive reactions of family members and tensions in family relationships. Connective reactions and supportive relationships encompass the third theme of discussion. The fourth cites adaptive strategies used by participants in coping with their experiences. The fifth theme of growth and meaning reports on participants' enhanced philosophical views on life. Finally, a therapeutic model towards healing demonstrates the themes and data presented. The findings of this study support the integration of patient-centred care in the acute hospital setting and raise questions about the roles of the hospital and the community in discharge planning. The implications for social work practice include the importance of a healing component in any family therapy model, recognition of the power of relationships in healing and the ability to acknowledge and stay with clients' pain. It is recommended that future research be conducted in this field with specific reference to varied cultural perspectives on illness and loss, multigenerational studies of families dealing with illness and loss and peoples' coping abilities in the face of adversity.