Living a Life without Limits

 

Olivia's Story

Olivia was born, along with her fraternal twin sister Adison, 4 weeks premature in July, 2007. Unfortunately, Olivia experienced an extremely difficult and traumatic birth. She was not breathing and needed extensive resuscitation. Because of the lack of oxygen to her brain and the resulting injury to her brain, she received the diagnosis commonly known as Cerebral Palsy as a very young infant. Our little girl’s strength and perseverance was apparent from the moment she arrived, and has not faltered since. Since her first moments of life in the NICU through to today she has often exceeded many expectations and has pleasantly surprised her medical teams and family alike.

Despite the many adversities Olivia has overcome in her 3 years, she still continues to face many challenges every day. Olivia wears braces (AFOs) on both legs, is starting to use a walker, relies on hearing aids and will always have to contend with the complications resulting from increased, abnormal tone in her legs and left arm. She also works very hard in the multiple therapies she attends every week. We, her family, are so proud of all she has accomplished, especially all of the new signs and words she is using lately!

Olivia finds joy in many things….she loves her swing in our backyard, has a contagious, adorable laugh when playing Peek-a-Boo, enjoys riding her new adapted bike and playing (sometimes even wrestling) with her favorite person in the world, her twin sister Adison. Olivia is also a bit of a thrill seeker (she loves the speed of a merry go round!), enjoys being in the water, and may very well be Dora the Explorer’s biggest fan! We know Olivia will be thrilled to participate in the CPAA’s dance without limit program in the near future, as she loves music and has some great dance moves! It will be so wonderful for Olivia and Adison to have a place where they can get more involved in activities together.

We are honored that Olivia was chosen this year to put a face to this important event and we sincerely hope the challenge raises not only much-needed funds, but a true awareness and acceptance of people living with Cerebral Palsy. Olivia, along with so many others in our community, defines positivity, strength and determination, and she is a true inspiration to us all every day.

written by Alan & Shelly Dedrick

 

Kevin's Story

Kevin is a 15-year-old with cerebral palsy who lives on an acreage north-west of Calgary. Kevin’s had to deal with more than his share of medical problems over the years, but he’s always done so without complaining and almost always with a smile on his face. He is a real trooper.

Even though Kevin’s disabilities may not allow him to do everything he’d like, in many ways he’s still a typical teenager who’ll give you ‘Attitude’ and who thinks it’s really funny to annoy his Mom. While Kevin cannot talk, his expressions speak volumes. Everything from “I’m loving this” to “You’re really annoying me.”

Kevin’s passions include “Kruising” outside with his walker while listening to his iPod tunes (Beach Boys are his favourite), hanging out with his Dad while they watch boxing, playing his keyboard, and playing baseball at Calgary Rotary Challenger Park.

Over the years, Kevin’s always had great support from aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. In fact this year, Kevin’s amazing cousin Tyler, decided he needed a project and set up Kevin’s Kruise for CP, this Bike Fundraiser. Come join us and help raise some funds for the CPAA.