Dear Friend,
Endurance, courage and accepting whatever remains unchangeable, this is a "Hero of Ability." Our daughter, Kaitlyn was born with a neurodevelopment disability. She passed away in 2008 at 6 years of age. It is only because of the amazing support team at the BC Centre for Ability that we are standing before you today.
Two years ago we were honored by the Centre at the annual Dining for Dreams Dinner and Auction as a "Hero of Ability." Parenting is always tough, but parenting a child with disabilities, serious injuries or chronic illness can be a life-changing, profound experience. I think this is how many parents of children with disability feel. Getting up and doing it everyday, no matter what, not giving up, that is what makes all parents heroes.
Someone once said children think we are their strength; the truth is they are ours. Kaitlyn was a hero because she taught us unconditional love, she taught us patience. She taught us to never give up and how to be strong. She was the strongest person we have ever known. When times were sad and tough we looked to her for strength. She taught us how to be ourselves but most of all she taught us about life and how to live. With Kaitlyn's passing, we are reminded that life is one be celebrated; it has been a privilege to be her parent.
Kaitlyn changed my ability to empathize, to put myself into the shoes of another. Never again, will I be so quick to make judgments. These days, thanks to the opportunity of knowing and loving my amazing little girl, if I say anything all, it is this: How can I help?
I invite you to support the 11th Annual Dining for Dreams Fundraising Dinner and Auction on to benefit the BC Centre for Ability. You can help by:
- Becoming a sponsor
- Purchasing an advertisement in the event program book
- Purchasing a ticket or a table of 10
- Donate an auction item
- Make a donation
The Centre helped us build on our child's strengths and abilities. We learned that with early and intensive intervention, children with disabilities have greater developmental and educational gains and improved family functioning - many say this is a long term benefit for society as a whole.
The Centre is a non-profit organization that provides a wide range of high quality community based services for children, youth and adults with disabilities using a family centred approach, professional leadership and education. The Centre strives to facilitate and build competencies of those living with disabilities so that they may dare to dream and have the means to realize their dreams despite the challenges.
Dining for Dreams is a powerful celebration of the strength and the resilience of the human spirit. Guests are inspired by the unique stories from the "Heroes of Ability" to overcome day-to-day challenges and leave with a renewed sense of optimism on human achievements.
It has been such an inspiration to be involved with an organization that recognizes the importance of considering the needs of people with disabilities as well as the needs of the families and we will forever be grateful for their continuous commitment to go above and beyond to help not only Kaitlyn but us too.
As parents we lead by example. In doing this, we all become heroes both to our children and the others around us. There is a "Hero of Ability" in all of us. Help give 3000 people with disabilities the tools to remove their daily obstacles and reach for their dreams every year. It may not be an easy journey, but it's a worthwhile one.
Sincerely,
Suzana Pekrul
2009 Dining for Dreams Committee
