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Joys Successes 2014 Spring Update
A Future So Bright
As a parent, how do you prepare for that moment when you’re told your child has cerebral palsy? You can’t. Just ask Greg and Leslie Dawn Fiss. At 13 months of age, their son, Blaine, was diagnosed with the condition. For some time, the family commuted to London so that Blaine could receive treatment. Then one day he was referred to KidsAbility in Waterloo – and his remarkable journey truly began. As Blaine explains, “The kindness, support and determination of my therapists helped me to become the best version of myself. They gave me a focus and helped me achieve my goals.” Today, Blaine studies Nanoscience at the University of Guelph. As part of his co-op program, he applied and was given a position at FPInnovations in Quebec. Yet, when he reflects on his life, he feels one of his greatest achievements occurred when he was much younger.
independently without the use of a walker. And in grade 12, with the assistance of a very encouraging coach, he was included on the football team and participated in track and field. Then, in 2012, Blaine was awarded the Carol Shantz Bursary Award, which is given to a current client or alumnus of KidsAbility who has been accepted into a post-secondary institution. For Blaine, this award held special meaning. “I was surprised and honoured to have been the recipient,” says Blaine. “Yet, this was just another way that KidsAbility supported me in achieving my personal goals.”
As he notes, “One of the key moments occurred when I took three steps independently at age 5. Those first steps – both literally and figuratively – started me on a pathway to success.” From those “first steps,” Blaine continued on his journey – with KidsAbility at his side. He received physiotherapy (which helped him recover his mobility after undergoing various surgeries) and occupational therapy (which provided him with adaptive technology and speech recognition programs to help with his education). By the time he reached high school, Blaine was able to walk
With all of his individual achievements, one stands out for Blaine. “When I look back, it was truly an honour to be chosen as a KidsAbility children’s ambassador and help represent the organization at various events. Even though I was quite young, it was important to me to give back to KidsAbility for their help. After all, they gave me a sense of direction and provided me with the best life I could possibly imagine. Today, when asked, I tell people that donating to KidsAbility provides an individual with the opportunity to impact the lives of many other children. This support is the first step in changing a child’s life!” Looking forward, the future seems exceptionally bright for Blaine. And with KidsAbility by his side, who knows what he will accomplish!