|
||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
 |
 |
Shayne Shayne spends much of his free time listening to his favourite rapper, Eminem, playing video games or watching wrestling. An avid sports fan, Shayne participates in Sledge Hockey and excels at Wheelchair Basketball. He is working to compete in the Paralympics, Wheelchair Basketball at the 2008 games in Italy. Everyone who knows Shayne enjoys his wonderful sense of humour and positive outlook on life. Shayne's quick wit and shy smile have won him many friends and admirers. He is an inspiration to others and delightful to know. Shayne hopes to have a career in acting or music and currently writes and performs rap music whenever he can. At fourteen years old, Shayne is wise beyond his years. His advice to other kids experiencing the same physical challenges that he's faced is to "always explain your condition to others. You're going to meet some mean people that stare and point but always be nice, explain your situation to them and stay positive." Most people react negatively because they lack knowledge and information about people who are different than they are but, once you meet Shayne, you quickly realize that although he is exceptional in so many ways, underneath it all he is just a typical teen. Patrick Suffering a catastrophic brain injury at birth, this legally blind nine year old's prognosis was grim. Now, coping with Cerebral Palsy, he is a straight "A" student who excels in science and is also a huge hockey fan. He follows game schedules and supports the Toronto Maple Leafs "...all the way." Whether Patrick is playing hockey in the driveway with his siblings, enjoying the hit T.V. show "Friends", listening to music by ACDC and Aerosmith or hanging out with his pals, he always has his sharp wit and sense of humour working overtime. Patrick volunteers at the Easter Seals Skate-a-Thon, gathering sponsorship pledges from friends, family and neighbours for his skate to raise money to help others. His large family consists of his parents, Patrick's older sister, as well as six adopted or fostered children. Seven of the eight children have special needs. Patrick and his brother Noah (also 9 years old) are inseparable. Patrick's mom Kari beams with love when she speaks about raising her family and it is obvious that life is about as normal as it can get in a busy home filled with eight active kids. Patrick's future is bright and he is interested in the possibility of becoming a newscaster or a lawyer. His career choice may change with time but, whatever path he chooses Patrick knows he will not change his mind about becoming a foster parent. Patrick's advice to other kids in his situation is to "keep on trying." He doesn't let the difficulties of everyday life get him down Alexandria Alexandria is like a breath of fresh air. This perky, happy, outgoing grade seven student who enjoys riding her bike, making friendship bracelets and watching her favourite television show, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, has a sweet voice and a charming personality. A member of the school choir, student council and the science club, Alexandria likes people and hopes to pursue a career in social work and public speaking. She speaks eloquently and is mature beyond her years with a kind and caring way about her. Although, she loves everything about her life, including school, her favourite pastime is drawing and she has a particular talent for sketching still life animals and flower arrangements. Alexandria's advice to children who have experienced health problems similar to her own is to "stay strong, no matter what. Keep a positive outlook and never let people get you down. If they aren't friendly just be as nice as you can and be friendly to them anyway." Alexandria is a calm and patient young lady who is a delight to talk to. Her warm personality and charming way will take her far throughout her life
Site Designed by Maplesolutions |
||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
