August 12, 2024
In response to St.Amant’s call for community members to share their stories, Sybil Plattner, grandmother to Robbie Klemke, eagerly stepped forward. She shared the remarkable journey of her grandson, who has been supported by St.Amant for nearly two decades.
Robbie Klemke, a 47-year-old man with a history of complex needs, has been supported by St.Amant for nearly two decades. His journey through various care systems, starting from a very young age, reflects the challenges and triumphs of living with a significant brain injury.
Robbie’s story began with a tragic event at birth when he suffered brain damage due to a lack of oxygen. This injury primarily affected the part of his brain that controls impulses, leading to sudden, unpredictable outbursts. Despite his condition, Sybil recalls him as a kind and caring individual who struggles with his impulses.
At the age of seven, Robbie’s family realized they could no longer provide the necessary support at home, especially after his impulses made it unsafe for his younger sibling. This led to his placement in foster care and later he was supported by Hydra House and then St.Amant after that organization closed.
Transitioning to St.Amant was a pivotal moment in Robbie’s life. The organization provided him with the stability and support he required. Initially placed in various group homes, it soon became evident that Robbie needed a more individualized support setup. About eight years ago, St.Amant moved Robbie into a home, where he now lives with two support team members who provide 24/7 support.
Sybil describes Robbie’s life at St.Amant as structured and fulfilling. He enjoys a variety of activities, from shopping trips to the dollar store to swimming and dining out. His love for music, particularly Phil Collins, is a source of immense joy for him, and he can spend hours listening to his favourite tunes. Robbie’s memory is sharp, and he is always aware of upcoming events, eagerly anticipating holidays and his birthday.
Despite his condition, Robbie is deeply affectionate towards his family. Sybil, who has been a constant presence in his life, shares how he always wants to hold her hand. His mother, who lives in Victoria, plans to return to Winnipeg to be closer to him, while his sister, busy with her own family, remains involved in his life.
The support team at St.Amant have earned Sybil’s deep respect for their dedication and respectful treatment of Robbie. She expresses profound gratitude for the quality of life they provide for him, acknowledging that without their support, Robbie’s life could have been drastically different, possibly leading to institutionalization or incarceration.
Sybil shared, “I have to commend the people who look after him. They’re fabulous. They treat him with a lot of respect. They know him, they have to watch him and themselves, but they treat him very respectfully, and he has a life, he has a good life.”
Sybil, at 94, worries about the future, but she finds comfort in knowing that St.Amant will continue to support Robbie even after she is gone. “I’m 94 years old. I’m not going to be here forever for Robbie. Am I assured that he’s going to be looked after for the rest of his life?” she asked. The reassurance she received was a relief: “Yes, he’s going to be looked after.”
Robbie Klemke’s story is one of resilience, familial love, and the crucial role of dedicated support. St.Amant’s unwavering support has enabled Robbie to lead a dignified and fulfilling life, surrounded by a community that understands and respects his unique needs. As Sybil stated, “Thank goodness we have you. I don’t know what we would do otherwise, and I don’t know what kind of a life he would have, and all the other people that you give life to.”
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