Thomas returned home March 7th after spending 10 weeks at Ability Camp. The experience was lengthy and exhausting yet rewarding and definitely worthwhile. The knowledge and skills that he gained are applicable to his life back home and he is much more settled and happy. Thomas is now using a Kaye walker with assistance, is able to sit with less support, can transition from a prone position to a crawl and responds to instructions that allow him to maneuver with greater skill. His communication has improved significantly (he now says his name!) and he is becoming a social little boy.
Overall he is more functional which is critical to his independent future.
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all the family, friends and community who provided the financial support to allow Thomas to participate in this life-changing experience. Together, you allowed us to realize a dream to bring change and hope to Thomas’ challenging world.
DONORS TO THE HOPE FOR THOMAS FUND (2006)
Anonymous
Air-Time Express
Bali International
Christine Bourke and Paul Lewis
David and Cindy Bourke
Stellina Bourke
Cynthia Boyne
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (Employees)
Don and Ann Canning
Elaine Canning
Jayne Canning
Jennifer Canning
Paul and Brenda Canning
Classic Care Pharmacy
Ian Clyne
Julia Dilullo
Dophes Ltd.
Echlin Investment Management
Ex-Kirkland Lake Goldtimers Hockey Team
Keven and Suzanne Fischer
Peter Gnish
Patrick and Leslie Gorman
Macsan Air Cargo
Marina Pharmacy
Mulvihill Drug Mart
PLASP
RC Design
Runnymede United Church Congregation
FUTURE TREATMENT
Thomas will be returning to Ability Camp October 2007 to attend ten weeks of intensive therapy – therapy proven to successfully improve the many symptoms caused by cerebral palsy. The cost for this treatment is expensive ($18,000 each visit) yet effective, and particularly beneficial when applied during early years when intervention is critical to teach the brain new pathways.
We look forward to sharing the outcome of this experience with you.
