Background
She grew up in Mississauga, Ontario.
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Barbara Turnbull
Edit ProfileEducation
In spite of the life-changing tragedy, Barbara went on to journalism school in the Arizona State University, from 1987 - 1990, where she was the valedictorian of her graduating class.
Career
On September 23, 1983, very late into the evening, Barbara, then an 18-year-old-student at Clarkson Secondary School, was working at her part-time job at her local convenience store, when suddenly, 4 bandits broke into the store to commit a robbery, and they shot her immediately. As a result, Barbara was paralyzed from the neck down. All 4 young men were arrested and convicted of the crime, and were sent to prison.
Upon returning home to Toronto, Barbara Turnbull was hired by the Toronto Star as a reporter for the Life section of their newspaper.
Foreign her part, she would do articles about other people with disabilities that were similar to her own, as well research into spinal cord injury. In 1993, Barbara wanted to see a movie at Famous Player Theatres only to find little assistance was given to patrons with physical disabilities similar to hers.
She sued the cinema chain to make them give more rights and accessibility for those in such circumstances. On Sunday, May 10, 2015, Barbara Turnbull died from complications with pneumonia, at age 50 years.
Her funeral was held at Cathedral Church of Saint James (Toronto).
She is buried at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto.
Achievements
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Born
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Died
March 10, 2015 (aged 50) -
Nationality
Canada
Awards
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Member of the
The is a Canadian national order, admission into which is the second highest honour for merit in the system of orders, decorations, and medals of Canada.The is a Canadian national order, admission into which is the second highest honour for merit in the system of orders, decorations, and medals of Canada.