CTV Weathercaster Tamara Taggart
Chair, Dining for Dreams 2010
I’m honoured to introduce you to the 2010 Heroes of Ability. These amazing individuals have taken the circumstances they were given and have strived to overcome what some said wasn’t possible. Each of these people are true heroes, they inspire everyone around them. I hope you can take a moment to let these stories touch your life so they can inspire you too. I look forward to seeing you at Dining for Dreams where together, we can empower our future heroes.
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Joshua Mason
When you meet Joshua you are in the company of a bright and energetic 5 year old who has Cerebral Palsy and Asperger syndrome. In the last years Joshua has made extraordinary achievements, he has already graduated from a wheelchair to a four wheel walker and it’s a matter of time before he will be using canes. “He works just as hard as an Olympic Athlete,” says mom who watches Joshua practice over and over again to increase the fine motor skills in his hand and achieve the ability to hold a pencil and write his own name.
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Joshua Mason
“Disability is not a tragedy- unless you teach your children that it is“
- Hilary Mason, Parent
File: PDF | Size: 185 KB
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Nehal Deo
Nehal is a 4 year old boy born with multiple heart defects. There is a hole in his heart and he can’t get enough oxygen because the blood vessels in his lungs are not wide enough. This means he tires easily and must be hooked up to an oxygen machine. His heart can stop at anytime but Nehal is resilient, he’s fought through 3 surgeries and 2 heart failures, surprising doctors and nurses. The hurdles for Nehal have not ended but he will continue to give it all his strength.
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Nehal Deo
The Heart of a Warrior
File: PDF | Size: 107 KB
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Nathan Clement
At the age of two and a half, Nathan suffered an acute stroke from chicken pox. His family was told that he would never walk or talk again and that he would most likely be in a wheelchair. At the age of 15, Nathan has worked through many of the odds. What remains is slight paralysis on the left side of his body and Dystonia in his left arm. Despite this Nathan swims, plays soccer, rides his bike and is very keen to get involved with the community. His progress is nothing short of lots of hard work and positive support. According to Nathan, “It’s a second chance at life.”
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Nathan Clement
“My disability is kind of a motivator“ - Nathan Clement
File: PDF | Size: 163 KB
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Conner Hall
Learning that he had Epilepsy at 16 changed the dynamics in his teenage life but just because things were difficult for Conner didn’t mean he would wave the white flag and give up. Instead he choose to empower himself with knowledge of his disability, work through the insecurities, and set out goals that keep him motivated for the future. He’s learned that despite not being able to control his seizures he can control what makes him happy by pursing a fulfilling career in teaching.
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Connor Hall
Who Says Teenagers Have Bad Attitudes?
File: PDF | Size: 123 KB
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Paul Irwin
Paul's complex healthcare needs may read like a long resume yet none of it stops him from placing others before himself. He is paraplegic, he has a cerebral valve that drains excess fluids accumulating in his brain, he has seizures and two years ago he suffered a stroke that severely limits the movement of his hands. This isn’t a complete list, and despite these obstacles, Paul always strives to give as much as possible to the family and friends around him. From petitioning the city to make the streets safer, to volunteering in the community, and advocating for people with disabilities, Paul is self-less in his actions.
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Paul Irwin
A True Champion Puts Others First
File: PDF | Size: 115 KB
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Jennie Cook
Waking up in the morning and looking forward to work is something Jennie does everyday now. At 51 years old, she knows this kind of happiness is what many dream of and she’s lucky to have. Born with a hearing impairment, it wasn’t easy for Jennie to find work during her 20’s. Though interested in customer service position she found herself with jobs in kitchens. After going through some obstacles, Jennie now works for London Drugs, she is aspiring to new goals and looking forward to new beginnings.
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