I would be very thoughtless if I didn’t share Thomas’ recent milestone birthday - he is now a fine and proud 10 year old boy! We celebrated with a small group of family and friends, served Thomas’ favourite pizza and a cake decorated of his own choosing – hockey, which by chance complimented an air hockey board he received. Towards the end of the night, the kids all challenged each other to friendly games; #10 balloons and energy were flying high. The noise, excitement that usually tip the sensory scale was kept in check, Thomas rose to the occasion, had a memorable time and continues to reminisce about his Big Day…
Our winter, so far like most, continues to be extreme with record amounts of snow and low temperatures making it very difficult to get outside. Thomas typically has limited outdoor access in the winter so we try to grab fresh air when we can and have some fun too. One of Thomas’ favourites is tobogganing which he can now ride downhill all by himself -check him out!
Less often, when a sledge becomes available, we ice skate as we did last month at an Easter Seals event.
A few weeks ago, Thomas started an exciting new winter sport – skiing! After waiting 4 years, we finally received a call from Track 3 Ski Assoc. an amazing non- profit, volunteer driven organization that teaches children with disabilities to ski and snow board. Thomas rides an adaptive “sit-ski”, (pictured left) with a trained volunteer holding a tether. He is in early stages of learning to navigate himself down the hill but absolutely loves it! Staying warm is the biggest hurdle, his sessions are during the evening when the temperature really dips.
Creating recreational and other life experiences for Thomas is a challenging yet very important goal; not only is his life enriched with learning opportunities but he is included in activities and society as a whole he is at risk of being closed to or even unaware of. I often see the benefits transpire on the other side too; the community at large connecting to and embracing a very special population.
I am grateful to associations like Track 3, Easter Seals and many more who fund programs of inclusion and opportunity that enhance the lives of children who very much need and appreciate them.
Of course one organization that remains very near and dear to us is March of Dimes where Thomas continues to attend the Academy of Conductive Education twice a week. His days are full of hands-on learning that require full participation and independence. We are truly blessed to have access to such an innovative and well rounded program that Thomas continues to benefit from and participate so well in.
This month, Conductive Education (CE) is being celebrated across North America and to mark the occasion March of Dimes is hosting a “Stand Up for CE” day to raise funds and awareness in support of its Toronto program. Thomas will join his friends and be challenged to sit-stand over a period of 5 minutes to meet his best personal goal. He is currently collecting pledges (see his home page) which will be earmarked towards the CE program and further offset Thomas' fees. March of Dimes currently subsidizes CE programs by approx 60%. All contributions are appreciated and tax receipts will be issued for $10+.
I would like to thank everybody for continuing to support and take interest in Thomas special life. It really is hard to believe ten years have already gone by, I have tried and will continue to share small glimpses of the highs and lows (mostly highs) of an incredibly unconventional journey and stay true to the goal of bringing Hope to Thomas for a full life, whatever that remains to be.
Thank you again to all who have shared in that goal – I can honestly say that Thomas would not be where he is today without your kindness, encouragement and generosity.
Stay warm and in touch!
Linda
