Easter Seals Alberta 2009 Ambassadors
Easter Seals British Columbia 2009 Ambassadors
Easter Seals Manitoba 2009 Ambassadors
Easter Seals New Brunswick 2009 Ambassador
Easter Seals Newfoundland & Labrador 2009 Ambassador
Easter Seals Nova Scotia 2009 Ambassadors
Easter Seals Ontario 2009 Ambassadors
Easter Seals BC Ambassador for 2008-2010
Natasha Kaweski, 2009 Easter Seals BC Ambassador
Natasha Kaweski
Natasha Kaweski of Delta, BC is 13 years old and no stranger to Easter Seals Camp - she’s been attending for the past seven years! She lives in Delta with her mom, dad, brother, two sisters and six cats. Natasha was born with Morquio syndrome, which occurs when the body is unable to produce specific enzymes, causing dwarfism. Her brother Damien also has Morquio’s and is an Easter Seals Camper as well.
Natasha is very excited to begin her tenure as an Easter Seals Ambassador. She wants to be a teacher when she grows up and is looking forward to perfecting her public speaking skills, which she will put to good use as she shares her love for Easter Seals Camp with everyone. She likes reading, sewing, arts and crafts and swimming, and of course, just hanging out with her friends.
Nathan Bragg, 2009 Easter Seals BC Ambassador
Nathan Bragg
Nathan Bragg is a veteran Easter Seals Camper, and his outgoing personality, boundless enthusiasm and sincere dedication to the Easter Seals cause made him the perfect representative.
Nathan was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of three. He doesn’t let CP slow him down, though - Nathan is an active, energetic kid and he has made Camp Squamish his summer destination for the past 8 years.
“Camp is his life,” Nathan’s mom says. “He would go every day if he could!” Nathan cites Camp Squamish as “one of my favourite places in the world…it never gets dull.”
At camp his favourite activities include hanging out with his many friends (he’s the life of the party!), swinging on the big swing (”The big swing is amazing - going up 60 feet in the air is as exhilarating as it is scary,” he proclaims) and swimming. Nathan is also a bit of a prankster - look out for practical jokes whenever he’s around! When he’s not having a blast at camp, Nathan resides in Maple Ridge, BC, with his family and two dogs. You might find him reading, playing video games, spending time with his friends or tearing up the local basketball court. When he grows up he wants to be a journalist, sports commentator or lawyer.
Nathan is an incredible example of the positive impact the Easter Seals Camping Program has had on children with disabilities across the province.
“Camp means a lot to me and it has helped in many ways,” Nathan says. “It has given me friends! It has given me laughs. It has given me a sense of belonging, but most of all it has given me the advice to focus on ability instead of disability, and has taught me that I can do anything.”
Watch for Nathan as he represents BC’s Easter Seals Kids at various Easter Seals events, including the 24 Hour Relay for the Kids and the Easter Seals Regatta and Festival.
Zak Madell, Easter Seals 2009 Youth Ambassador for Southern Alberta
Zak Madell, Easter Seals 2009 Youth Ambassador for Southern Alberta
Fifteen-year old Zak Madell is a remarkable young man whose viewpoint is life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it. Attitude is everything.
Easter Seals Alberta is proud to announce Zak as the 2009 Easter Seals Youth Ambassador for Southern Alberta.
Zak is a grade nine student from Okotoks, AB. At the age of ten, Zak developed a bacterial infection which spread throughout his system causing septic shock. His body was able to protect his brain and heart, but other organs suffered the effects of the toxins and lack of oxygen. Much of his tissue did not survive and, as a result, he required amputation of his legs and fingers. Today you can find Zak getting around in a custom-made wheelchair.
Zak attended Easter Seals Camp Horizon in 2008. His favorite activities at camp included the giant swing and the zip line. Zak also enjoyed playing power hockey with friends and camp counsellors. “When I’m at camp, I get to do things I normally would not get a chance to do. I get to meet new friends and try new things,” said Zak.
Zak has a passion for community involvement. His wish is to see more accessible sporting events, entertainment and recreation facilities for people with disabilities. His dream is to be able to one day walk on prosthetics and to attend university to get a science degree. He would also very much like to return to camp one day as a camp counsellor.
As a practicing musician, Zak can play the trombone and is also learning to play the electric guitar.
Kyle Zieger, Easter Seals 2009 Youth Ambassador for Northern Alberta
Kyle Zieger, Easter Seals 2009 Youth Ambassador for Northern Alberta
Easter Seals Alberta is proud to announce twelve-year-old Kyle Zieger as the 2009 Easter Seals Youth Ambassador for Northern Alberta.
This year, Kyle was recognized in his community and received a Citizen Award for his positive attitude.
Kyle was diagnosed with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) at the age of five. DMD is a muscular disease that affects the body in many different ways. In Kyle’s case, he has limited strength and mobility. Kyle walks in small distances to help maintain his strength, but uses his power wheelchair for most of his daily needs.
In 2008, Easter Seals financially supported the conversion of an accessible vehicle to accommodate Kyle’s power wheelchair. The conversion costs were approximately $35,000, not including the initial costs of purchasing the new vehicle.
“The contribution that Easter Seals made has made all the difference,” says Kyle’s mother Donna. “It has opened up new doors to new environments for Kyle and our family.”
The Zieger family was able to visit Johnston Canyon in Jasper National Park for the first time. Now Kyle can keep up with his friends in activities and has the confidence to move around and go places like never before.
Kyle has a great sense of humour and a positive and indomitable spirit. In his spare time Kyle likes drawing and writing short action-hero fiction stories. He also enjoys doing research projects on animals and wildlife. Kyle hopes to one day be an animal researcher.
Jennifer Lozinski, Regina Easter Seals Ambassador.
Jennifer Lozinksi, Regina Easter Seals Ambassador
Fourteen-year-old Jennifer Lozinski is the Regina Easter Seals Ambassador. Jennifer has cerebral palsy and sometimes uses a walker or wheelchair to get around. Some of Jennifer’s interests include spending time on Facebook, listening to her favourite artists such as Avril Lavigne and Hedley, and hanging out with family, especially her twin sister Michelle and both her grandmothers.
Jennifer knows first hand that Easter Seals programs help to develop self-confidence and independence for children with disabilities. “Jennifer has an awesome sense of humour,” says her father, Dave. While at Camp Easter Seal, Jennifer enjoys boating and shopping in the town of Watrous. She has also made many friends at Camp.
Rupan Sambasivam, Saskatoon Easter Seals Ambassador
Rupan Sambasivam, Saskatoon Easter Seals Ambassador.
Rupan Sambasivam is the Saskatoon Easter Seals Ambassador. He is an active twelve-year-old boy with cerebral palsy. He participates in activities both during and after school. Rupan was named School Safety Patroller of the Year at Forest Grove School for the 2007/2008 year. He is a sports enthusiast; in particular, Rupan is a big fan of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He has also travelled to Australia, Norway, France, and the Caribbean with his family.
At Camp Easter Seal, Rupan enjoys the activities at the Recreation Centre and thinks the camp counsellors are great. “Kids with disabilities are just like all kids - they like to play, learn new things and hang out with friends. That’s what it’s like at Camp Easter Seal.”
Easter Seals Ambassadors have a very important role with Easter Seals Saskatchewan. Throughout the year, our ambassadors represent children with disabilities at Easter Seals fund raising events within the province. Jennifer and Rupan each exemplify that special Easter Seals spirit - ‘the focus on ability, not disability’. Each one has participated in and benefitted from the programs offered by Easter Seals Saskatchewan: Camp Easter Seal, Summer Fun, and Adaptive Technology Services.
Allison Onslow, 2009 Manitoba Youth Ambassador
Allison Onslow, 2009 Manitoba Youth Ambassador
Eleven-year old Allison Onslow loves to fly - remote control airplanes, to be exact. This is a favourite hobby that she shares with her dad. She loves it some much she is a member of the Perfect Circle Flying Club.
Allison has other interests as well: riding horses, singing, dancing, playing guitar, keyboard and the harmonica. One day she hopes to play power wheelchair hockey when she can maneuver her chair.
Allison, who was born with cerebral palsy, has been very active with Easter Seals Manitoba/SMD Foundation. For Allison, being the 2009 Manitoba Youth Ambassador gives her and her family a sense of learning, self esteem and confidence. Allison has met so many wonderful people through the various
campaigns and events. This is her way of giving back for all the good work that Easter Seals and SMD has done over the years.
Allison has participated in Easter Seals/SMD Leisure & Recreation programs by attending day camps over the past three years.
Casey Mackay, 2009 Provincial (Ontario) Easter Seals Ambassador
Casey Mackay, 2009 Provincial (Ontario) Easter Seals Ambassador
Casey MacKay is a young man who strives to help others at every opportunity. This 12-year-old helps out at his school in the office and in the classroom. Casey’s career goal is to be a paramedic.
“I really want to help people. I picture myself saving people who are hurt by getting down to their level and helping them up,” said Casey, who wears leg braces for walking and uses a wheelchair for distances.
As the 2009 Provincial Easter Seals Ambassador, Casey wants to tell people how Easter Seals really does help kids with physical disabilities succeed. “A lot of kids don’t even have wheelchairs. They need to get around even if they can’t walk. Without this we’d be glued to one spot. We’d miss all the fun in this world.”
Casey has a great support network that includes his dad, mom, older brother Adam, and friends. For three years now, he has played hockey for the Mississauga Crusaders and looks like any other hockey player in full equipment, with regular skates and stick. When Casey started playing hockey he had his hockey stick taped to his walker. Now he’s out on the ice without the walker, just some assistance from his dad. Casey’s brother, Adam, is also on the ice every week volunteering by helping other kids on the team.
Casey is a big Leafs fan and has attended the Maple Leafs Skate for Easter Seals Kids event at Air Canada Centre for the past six years. His favourite Leafs player was Boyd Deveraux (because he liked the sound of his name), but Casey proudly wears his # 60 jersey for his best buddy Carlton the Bear, mascot for the Leafs.
Casey has had the opportunity to attend fully accessible Easter Seals Camp Woodeden and welcomed the chance to challenge himself by playing sledge hockey and learning archery.
When asked about what he looks forward to as one of the 2009 Provincial Ambassadors, Casey replies, “I like busy days and meeting new people.”
Kaitland Clapp, 2009 Provincial (Ontario) Easter Seals Ambassador
Eleven year-old Kaitland Clapp swims, plays soccer and likes sailing. She is also a great singer and is learning to play the alto saxophone in school. Her younger sister, Madison has been known to complain about the noise when Kaitland practices the sax. It is hard to believe that this is the same child who was called ‘the miracle baby’ by the doctor when she was born.
Kaitland was born premature with a number of health issues, which meant countless visits to doctors, specialists and therapists. Kaitland learned to walk at the age of two, but had to wear a hockey helmet because she was having severe falls. At age four she had an operation that involved severing her left leg and rotating it, so that she could walk without tripping herself. She still feels quite a bit of pain in her legs during growth spurts. Kaitland has also had a spinal tap operation and continues to experience seizures, which doctors can’t completely explain the reason for.
Tammy Konning, Kaitland’s mom, tells how her daughter used to say, “Mom, why am I different? Why me, mommy?”
Mom’s response was always, “Because you can handle it.”
And handling it she does, at every opportunity. Kaitland only uses a wheelchair for long distances and is confident running on the soccer field with her leg braces. She has had the opportunity to water ski and go tubing at a friend’s cottage and learned how to sail at an Easter Seals Regatta event in Picton. This summer she hopes she will have the chance to attend Easter Seals Camp Merrywood near Perth, Ontario.
“I’ve never been to camp and I’d like the chance to go sailing again. You don’t need your legs to do it, so you can just relax and be like everyone else,” said Kaitland.
Kaitland has a couple of ideas for future career plans. She would like to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a kindergarten teacher. Like her fellow Provincial Easter Seals Ambassador, Casey, Kaitland is also thinking of becoming a paramedic because “it would be cool to help people.”
As the 2009 Provincial Easter Seals Ambassador, Kaitland wants to tell other kids with physical disabilities to “keep trying and you will succeed.”
Adam Denney, 2009 Easter Seal Nova Scotia Ambassador
Adam Denney returns once again as Easter Seals Nova Scotia Ambassador, assisting veteran Ambassador Nicole McDonald in representing Nova Scotia’s children and youth with physical disabilities.
Adam, who is 25 years old and has spinal bifida, is a sports enthusiast. He started playing wheelchair basketball at age 5. Locally he participates in the Easter Seals Take PART program, which offers a variety of sport and recreation activities, as well as being involved in the Nova Scotia Special Olympics.
Adam has a positive attitude. “Just because my legs don’t work doesn’t mean I can’t do what other kids can do. It just means I have to do it sitting down.”
Sixteen year-old Nicole McDonald will continue her role as Easter Seals Ambassador for Nova Scotia, which began in 2005.
“I am very excited and very happy to be the Ambassador,” Nicole says. “It’s like being president.”
Nicole McDonald, 2009 Easter Seal Nova Scotia Ambassador
Nicole was born with Spina Bifida, but this fact has never stopped her from pursuing her interests in sports. Nicole loves hockey and baseball and is active within her community. She is an Altar server at her church and is a member of her community Girl Guides. Nicole loves Easter Seals Camp Tidish and attends ever year. She is actively involved with the camp and even designed Camp Tidish’s treasure chest logo.
As Easter Seals Ambassador for Nova Scotia, Nicole wants to increase awareness of the needs and issues for children with physical disabilities - helping to fulfill more of their dreams.
Brandon Liston, 2009 Easter Seals New Brunswick Ambassador
Hi, my name is Brandon Liston and I am nine years old. This is my third year as the Ambassador for Easter Seals. I was born with Cerebral Palsy and have limited use of my legs, but as you can see it doesn’t stop me. I’m in grade three now and some day I want to be Premier, but for now I am happy being Ambassador and attending fun events. Easter Seals gave me this walker and other equipment too. Please help Easter Seals help other kids like me. Thank you for supporting Easter Seals and opening doors for kids with a disability.
Sincerely,
Brandon Liston
Jeremy Jones, 2009 Ambassador for Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador
On March 31, 2009 Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador announced that 11 year old Jeremy Jones of St. John’s was selected to serve as the 2009 Easter Seals Ambassador.The Easter Seals Ambassador is a child or youth with a strong spirit of independence, a “can-do” attitude, self-assurance and an intention to attain a post secondary education. The Ambassador represents the incredible potential and amazing abilities of children and youth with physical disabilities.
One of a twin born at 27 weeks, Jeremy weighed 2 pounds 8 ounces at birth and was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Hydrocephalus, which required being shunted, and a severe to profound hearing loss. Despite enduring many surgeries and spending a lot of time in hospital, Jeremy is now thriving. He is a happy and healthy child with a contagious smile who never lets his physical disability hold him back from enjoying life.
Through his involvement in Easter Seals, Jeremy has made many lifelong friendships and enjoys many of the Easter Seals activities including karate, sledge hockey, bowling, swimming, and camping, as well as reading and hanging with his friends.
Jeremy is honoured to have been selected and is excited about carrying out his duties of representing children and youth with physical disabilities across the province.
Jordon Cotton, 2009 Ambassador for Easter Seals Prince Edward Island
The ambassador for this year’s PEI Easter Seals campaign is ten-year-old Jordon Cotton, a grade four student at Alberton Consolidated Elementary School. Jordon, son of Angela and Paul Cotton and brother of 12-year-old Amber and 8-year old Christopher, lives in Alberton.
Jordon has cerebral palsy and travels either with a wheelchair or a walker. He is an amazing young man with a quick and ready smile and a huge love for hockey. Go Maple Leafs!
Jordon is very excited to be the 2009 Easter Seals Ambassador. “My motto is Shoot for the Stars. I am very proud to be the Easter Seals Ambassador,” said Jordon.
Jordon will travel across PEI visiting schools during the annual Tim Horton’s Easter Seals School Tour scheduled for six days in April, and also take part in the Easter Beef Show and Sale. He will be a special guest on the 2009 Easter Seals Telethon, set to broadcast live from Confederation Centre of the Arts at a new and exciting new time slot, on Sunday, March 1, from 2:00-5:00 P.M. on CBC Television. He’ll share the stage with co-hosts Bruce Rainnie and Matt Rainnie and a top-notch cast of entertainers. The three-hour telethon will enable Islanders to call in pledges on a toll-free line staffed by volunteers from Aliant. The show will also be an opportunity to feature businesses and organizations that are supporting the Easter Seals Campaign through their fundraising efforts.
