Twenty years ago, Hayder Kadhim endured gunshot wounds to his head, neck, and left calf. The tragic event occurred on September 13, 2006, when a gunman entered Dawson College in Montreal, resulting in the death of Anastasia De Sousa and injuries to 19 others, including Kadhim.
Reflecting on the loss of his friend Anastasia, Kadhim pondered why he survived while she did not. However, he made a conscious decision not to let the tragedy dictate his future. Over the following years, resilience became a prominent theme in his life.
Approaching his recovery with the mindset of an athlete, Kadhim was determined to minimize the impact of the gunman’s actions. Despite initially relying on crutches, he was back on a treadmill just three weeks after the shooting. With the support of loved ones and fellow survivors, he navigated through the challenges.
In his quest to move forward, Kadhim delved into questioning his life’s purpose. This introspection led him to prioritize compassion and empathy. He established Youth 4 Youth, a non-profit organization that conducts workshops in Quebec schools to raise awareness about violence and bullying. Additionally, he became actively involved in advocating for gun control.
Kadhim believes that showing care and concern for others can have a significant positive impact, whether in reducing bullying or preventing tragic events. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a sense of community and support for individuals in need.
Meaghan Hennegan, another survivor of the Dawson College shooting, has also channeled her traumatic experience into advocacy for stronger gun control laws. Despite the initial chaos and fear she faced during the shooting, Hennegan has gradually overcome the emotional toll with time and maturity.
Hennegan’s advocacy work with PolySeSouvient focuses on pushing for stricter gun control measures, aiming to transform negative experiences into meaningful change. Alongside other survivors and families, she has urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to take concrete action on key priorities, such as implementing an assault-style firearms ban.
As the 20th anniversary of the Dawson College shooting approaches, survivors like Hennegan, Kadhim, and De Sousa’s mother are calling for tangible steps to honor the victims. They emphasize the need for action over further delays or discussions, seeking real progress in preventing similar tragedies.
Looking beyond the painful memories, Hennegan stresses the importance of commemorating the lives impacted by the shooting and focusing on effective prevention measures. She plans to participate in the anniversary ceremony at Dawson College to pay tribute to the victims and advocate for a safer future.