Newsletter Spring 2016

EASTER SEALS NEWS
VOLUME 14, SPRING 2016
ONE FAMILY’S REALITY
Nico and his twin brother, Luca,
were born at 24 weeks. Two weeks
after birth, Luca died of an infection.
Nico’s mother, Susan, and her
husband both considered Nico
would develop a disability but were
hopeful when scans came back clear.
The worst case scenario was that
because he was confined to an
incubator for so long he would
need some physiotherapy.
And then the earth shattering
news came. At six months Nico was
diagnosed with cerebral palsy, spastic
quadriplegia. “Our conversations
turned to how he was going to
survive,” says Susan. “The diagnosis
was devastating. The ride home from
the hospital was filled with lots of
tears.”
Susan and her husband were
surprised to learn just how severe
Nico’s CP was. The main worry was
how costly his mobility equipment
would be. Susan confides, “It was
not the life that I thought we would
have. We’re an athletic family, so it
wasn’t easy to grapple with the fact
that Nico wouldn’t be able to walk.”
When Nico began physiotherapy
there was light. “Our therapist
provided us with a new perspective
about what Nico could do. We made
our house accessible, but I was
“He has a spark
that is contagious...”
-Susan, Nico’s mom
surprised to learn that the government makes the funding process so
difficult and they don’t fully cover
the costs of important equipment
like wheelchairs. Because Nico’s
needs are specialized, he also has to
have a modified chair, which is an
extra expense.”
stress about how we’re going to
pay for everything.”
She has nothing but admiration
for the support she’s received.
“Thank heavens for Easter Seals
Ontario because they have helped
us purchase a stander, a commode
chair, a bath seat, shower stretcher,
a van lift, and so much more. But
even with Easter Seals, we constantly
Still, Nico lives in an inaccessible
world and Susan constantly has
to advocate on his behalf. “That’s
why I’m comforted to have the
support of Easter Seals Ontario.
They have made our lives so
much easier.”
Now seven years old, and in grade
two, Nico is doing well. “He has
a spark that is contagious, and
despite his physical challenges,
he never complains.”
WHAT BETTER WAY IS
THERE TO BE REMEMBERED?
Leaving Easter Seals Ontario a gift in your Will is one of the most valuable
and lasting ways you can help give Easter Seals kids a brighter future.
Connect with Kayley Trumbley, Manager, Donor Relations, to learn how
a gift in your Will can help give Easter Seals kids a brighter future.
Call Kayley Trumbley at 416.421.8778 ext. 361
or 1.800.668.6252 ext. 361, or email [email protected].
EASTER SEALS ONTARIO
2016 EVENTS
DROP ZONE
FALL, PROVINCE-WIDE
CELEBRITY HOCKEY
CLASSIC SERIES
FALL, PROVINCE-WIDE
PROVINCIAL EASTER SEALS
TELETHON ON CBC
SUNDAY, APRIL 10
TORONTO’S
TRIBUTE DINNER
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25
FAIRMONT ROYAL YORK,
TORONTO
EASTER SEALS REGATTA
SUMMER, PROVINCE-WIDE
EASTER SEALS 10K RUN,
5K RUN/WALK
SUNDAY, MAY 29
NEWMARKET RIVERWALK
COMMONS
PAPER EGGS
MARCH 4 – 27 | PROVINCE-WIDE
Check easterseals.org for information
about other events in communities near you!
AMBASSADOR RECOGNIZED
FOR OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP
Cited for his role in furthering awareness of youth
with disabilities, being an outstanding role model
for other youth, and serving as the 2012 Provincial
Easter Seals Ambassador, Brandon McAuley received
the 2015 City of Pickering Youth Leadership Civic
Award. Pickering’s Civic Awards celebrate deserving
individuals who have made exceptional contributions
to enrich the community. Congratulations Brandon!
MEGAN LEONARD –
PURSUING HER
DREAMS
I am now finishing up my first
semester of Teachers College at
Queen’s University, and I am having
an amazing experience so far. My
coursework is very busy, but the
faculty is very supportive, and all
of my courses are very interesting.
I also recently completed my first
block of placement in a Kindergarten
classroom, and it was an incredibly
valuable learning experience.
Last year at Trent University, I completed an Honours Thesis project in
Sociology. My thesis explored the
bullying experiences of students with
disabilities, a subject that has always
been close to my heart. This was
one of the most challenging and
rewarding projects I have ever taken
part in, and I am so thankful to have
had the opportunity to do so. I can
say without a doubt that completing
my first degree at Trent University
provided me with the best four
years of my life so far.
The Beatrice Drinnan Spence
Scholarship played a significant
role in supporting my education for
the 2014-2015 year, and I cannot
sufficiently explain in words how
much that help means to me.
I am incredibly appreciative of
everything that Easter Seals and the
scholarship program has assisted me
with, and I am thrilled to be so close
to achieving my dream of becoming
an elementary school teacher.
Megan Leonard,
2015 Easter Seals scholarship recipient
CONQUERING FEARS AT EASTER SEALS CAMP
Kristen started going to Camp
Merrywood when she was 11
years old. Now 14, she credits her
experiences there as the best of
her life.
“From day one it was a caring and
welcoming environment,” says
Kristen. “The camp is beautiful, and
even though I was a little scared at
first, I knew that people were there
for me.”
Born with cerebral palsy, Kristen uses
a wheelchair for mobility. However,
at accessible Easter Seals camps,
everything is possible.
One of the activities Kristen was most
afraid about was whitewater rafting.
She had never done it before and was
scared to take on the adventure.
“But then I tried it, saw how safe it
was, how caring the staff was, and I
conquered my fear pretty fast.”
For Kristen and her mother, Peggy,
the best part about Camp Merrywood
is that it’s a place where she can be
herself. “At school only 25% of the kids
are like me, but at Camp Merrywood,
“Her whole attitude
after her first year at
camp changed....”
-Peggy, Kristen’s mom
100% of the kids are like me,”
says Kristen.“
Peggy reveals, “Her whole attitude
after her first year at camp changed.
She returned home with so much
more independence and confidence.
We owe this to the camp staff, who
are there for the kids every step of
the way, and make sure that their
every need is met.”
It’s because of Easter Seals’ commitment to kids with physical disabilities,
that Kristen was able to make “lifelong friends, and we exchange letters
often. Right now, all I am looking
forward to is this summer, when I
can return to camp and be with my
friends.”
THREE CHEERS FOR VOLUNTEERS
JOE MAIONE
Joe Maione, owner-operator of Maione Collectables and a retired investment advisor
in Sault Ste. Marie with CIBC Wood Gundy, has been an active volunteer and contributor
to Easter Seals since 2005. Prior to retiring, he helped secure annual donations to our
telethon through CIBC’s Miracle Day. In his retirement, Joe continues to use his collectable
business and hobby to donate sports memorabilia which attracts higher contributions for
our events. Additionally, Joe donated his truck to Easter Seals through another group that
auctions vehicles. Joe, you are invaluable to Easter Seals in Sault Ste. Marie and we are
forever appreciative of your support!
RYAN CRUWYS
Over the past several years, Ryan has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to
Easter Seals by donating his time to events such as the Toronto Maple Leafs Skate,
Telethon, the Rogers Conn Smythe Dinner, The Eric Lindros Celebrity Hockey Classic,
Drop Zone, Regatta, and the Upper Canada Mall Easter Seals Run in Newmarket.
There is no task too big or too small for Ryan - he rises to any challenge with a high
level of competence, integrity, energy and passion. His dedication truly exemplifies
the positive impact that volunteers can have on the success of an event. Thank you
for being such an awesome volunteer, Ryan!
Interested in volunteering with Easter Seals?
Contact Carmen Bazinet at 1.800.316.5730 ext. 2 or [email protected].
THANK YOU TO ALL OF
OUR GENEROUS DONORS
RECOGNIZING DONORS WHO HAVE MADE A GIFT OF $1,000 OR MORE IN 2015.
Join us for the 2016 province-wide
Easter Seals Telethon on CBC!
SUNDAY,
APRIL 10
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
REGIONAL TELETHONS:
Sudbury - March 6, Eastlink
Sault Ste. Marie - April 3, Shaw
South Eastern Ontario - April 4 – 8,
CKWS on The WS Daily
Peterborough - April 10,
TV Cogeco and CHEX TV
Windsor - April 10, CTV
TUNE IN AND SUPPORT
EASTER SEALS KIDS!
IMPACTING
KIDS IN THEIR
COMMUNITIES
Over the past 14 years Sobeys and
its affiliates Foodland, FreshCo and
Price Chopper have been outstanding
supporters of the annual Paper Egg
campaign. In total, this grocery chain
giant has raised more than $2.1 million
making a huge difference for kids with
physical disabilities!
Anonymous (18)
Muriel & Doug Ackhurst
George Anastassakis
Clifford Anderson
Jeanne Andrews
Earl Antler
Kent Bacon
Bill Banks
Launce Bagg
Bill Banks
Jeff Barnes & Marcia Zuker
Deborah Barrett
Karen & Bill Barnett
Gerry Battaglia
Michel Beaudoin
Paul & Kaye Beeston
Marnie Bennett
Robert & Marlene Berkovitz
Vito & Sandra Bigioni
Milton & Mary Black
Michael Booth
Jim Bouchard
David Bradly
Catherine & Rudolph Bratty
Cora Brodie
Don Brodie
Brian Brown
William Bryant
Rob Camick
Vito Campanale
Kelly Carrick
Greg Ceaser
Francis Chantiam
Michael Chao
Christopher Chapin
Stewart R. Chislett
Jim Clark
Michael “Pinball” Clemons
J. Brian Colburn
Carol A. Cook
Mark & Mary Cullen
Paul & Eleanor Dalseg
Chris & Gianna Dassios
Roger DeGuire
Donny Di Vincentiis
Bruce D. Dodds
Dianne H. Domelle
Ronald Duckworth
Mike Dunn
Charlotte Ebsary
Fran Enright
Henry Ens
Nancy Erwin
Mark Fackoury
Agnes Faraci
Anthony Fell
Terence Fletcher
Brian Flood
Don Frankland
Angela & Marvin Freiburger
Margaret Genge
Mike George
Josie & Roy Gies
Phil Gillin
Ms. L. Ruth Gilmer
Daniel Greenberg
Emily Hamilton
Doris Hansen
Grace Harshman
Duncan & Lesley Hawthorne
Mr. Douglas Hazelton
Chris Henderson
Glynis Henry
John Herhalt
J.R. Hira
Andrew Hoffman
Frank & Christina Holmes
The Hostetler Family
Barbara & Bill Howe
Frank & Wendy Huang
The Jackson Family
Glen Jackson
Robert M. Jackson
Victoria Jacobs
Sandra Jarrell
Stephen Johnson
Jean Kado
Christine Kelly
Matthew King
Peter Kurita
Puisand Lai
Liz Latta
Aaron Laycock
Randy Lebow
David Lever
Gordon Lightfoot
Carol Lloyd
Anthony Long
Jon E. Love
Reay Mackay
Leo Manchisi
Gordon Manock
Paul Marsham
Steve Martin
Mr. Charles Mavor & Mrs. Joan Mavor
George McCloy
Lezlie McDermott
Inez McDonald
Nancy & John McFadyen
Colin & Judy McIntosh
Rorie McIntosh
Ross McIntosh
Suhana Meharchand
Dino Melchior
Lorraine Michieli
Martin Minda
Vince Mirabelli
Gizele Mirasol
Arvilla Moore
Dale Moore
Robert McLean
Joanne McNamara
Paul Mudry
Oliver Murray
Trevor Newell
Taylor Newfeld
Robert Nichol
Vernon Noseworthy
Sandra Nymark
Sean O’Neill
Dean Orrico
Bharat & Bina Patel
Khorshed Patel
Brian & Linda Pearson
Kevin Pereira
Gord Phippen
Wes Playter
Nancy Pollock
Nancy Regier
Paul Rivett
Orlando Rosa
Kelly Sasseville
Alvin Schieck
Michael Schultz
Joanne & Norman Scott
Karon Shepperdson
Tina Shier
Sally Short
Rowena Siu
Michael Skinner
Tom & Angela Skinner
Alexis Smith
Edward Smith
Greg Smith
Dr. Julia Smith
Susan Smith
Rose Speirs
Daniel Steinberg
Mr. & Mrs. Walter Sweetman
John Treqaskiss
Tina Triano
Dr. Paul Truelove
Yolande Tsampalieros
Steven Tudela
Pauline Unis
Jamie Vieira
M. Virdee
John Vissers
Cecile Volf
John & Josie Watson
The Webb Family
Martez West
Patrick West
Shirley & Gordon Whan
Linda White
Meredith Wiens & Dan Hartley
Steve Wilhelm
Joan Williams
Carl Wilson
Philip & Joanne Wilson
Dr. Brian Wong
Ken Yeung
Doug Zinkiewich
We apologize for any inadvertent errors or omissions. If you have any
questions about your membership or wish to join the President’s Circle, please
contact Kayley Trumbley: [email protected], 416.421.8778 ext. 361
or 1.800.668.6252 ext. 361.
CONTACT US
EASTER SEALS ONTARIO
One Concorde Gate, Suite 700
Toronto, ON M3C 3N6
Tel: 416.421.8377
Toll-free: 1.800.668.6252
Fax: 416.696.1035
[email protected] | easterseals.org