THE ADVOCATE 249
VOL. 80 PART 2 MARCH 2022
NOS DISPARUS
By R.C. Tino Bella
Brandon Langhjelm
Our profession comprises members possessing a
diversity of backgrounds, experiences, abilities and
disabilities. Essential to the strength of the legal profession,
and indeed our society as a whole, is honouring
the inherent value and freedoms of each individual.
Brandon’s mom, Carol, was just 18 years old when
she became pregnant with Brandon. There was
immediate pressure on her to take the “easy way out”. She recalls the
moment when a nurse at the initial consultation put her hand on her and
said in a matter-of-fact way, “You’ll have an abortion.” Carol recoiled when
she heard those words and thought, “No, I am having this child.” She never
regretted that decision. Brandon was her son and she loved him dearly.
On the day Brandon was born, February 19, 1981, Carol became aware
that Brandon had a disability, though it was not properly diagnosed until
many years later. He suffered from mobility issues and began using an electric
wheelchair in his early teens. Brandon’s ultimate diagnosis was a connective
tissue disorder called Loeys-Dietz syndrome. This disability pro-
foundly affected Brandon, who underwent numerous surgeries and medical
treatments throughout his life.
Brandon showed exceptional intellectual ability at an early age. In grade
5, he was assessed at a university level for his overall aptitude. By the age
of seven, he already had a passion for geopolitical events and had a keen
desire to learn and devour information. Brandon’s penchant for learning
and detail also played out in his love for hockey, as he catalogued voluminous
stats of NHL players. A passionate Canucks fan, as a 13-year-old, he
sold his Sega gaming system to attend the Pacific Coliseum during the 1994
Canucks playoff run, which he would recall in excruciating detail.