Twenty years ago, Hayder Kadhim sustained gunshot wounds to his head, neck, and left calf during a tragic incident at Montreal’s Dawson College on Sept. 13, 2006. This event resulted in the loss of his friend Anastasia De Sousa and left him questioning the reasons behind his survival. Kadhim’s journey since then has been defined by resilience and a refusal to let the tragedy dictate his future.
Approaching his recovery with the determination of an athlete, Kadhim quickly transitioned from relying on crutches post-shooting to returning to physical activity within three weeks. Throughout the following years, his mindset, coupled with the support of loved ones and fellow survivors, played a crucial role in overcoming the challenges he faced.
In his quest to find purpose post-tragedy, Kadhim delved into questions about his existence and ultimately founded Youth 4 Youth, a non-profit organization focused on educating Quebec schools about violence and bullying. He also became actively involved in gun control advocacy, driven by his belief in the transformative power of compassion and empathy in improving lives and fostering positive change beyond individual boundaries.
Meaghan Hennegan, another survivor of the Dawson College shooting, experienced a similar journey of turning personal pain into advocacy. Despite the chaos and fear she endured during the shooting, Hennegan channeled her traumatic experience into a relentless pursuit of stronger gun control laws, emphasizing the importance of preventing similar tragedies from recurring.
For Hennegan, the passage of time has brought a sense of emotional maturity and healing, allowing her to let go of the raw emotions and panic that once consumed her. Alongside other survivors, she continues to advocate for concrete actions towards gun control, urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to prioritize measures such as completing the assault-style firearms ban and removing these weapons from circulation.
As the 20th anniversary of the Dawson College shooting approaches, survivors like Hennegan and Kadhim are calling for tangible steps to honor the victims through meaningful action rather than mere discussions or delays. Their shared commitment to advocacy and remembrance serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of those impacted by the tragic events, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in effecting positive change.
