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Continued from page 6 were noticed. She was published twice in the school anthology and she recently won an award for her painting skills. Honoured for creating a painting with “the most colour,” her award was sponsored by the Mississauga’s of Scugog Island. Nelly certainly knows the importance of living a fulfilled life. However, despite all her hard work, she maintains a sense of modesty and shyness that makes her accomplishments all the more endearing. There’s no denying that her family is more than proud of her talents, and above all else, her capacity to learn and chal- lenge herself despite her hindrance. It’s also undeniable that Nelly has won the admiration and support of others around her, including her friends, classmates, teachers and fellow commu- nity members. As Bonnie explains, it has without a doubt, been a complete- ly life changing past two years. Nelly has spent over a year at Sick Kids, endured four months of isolation, and has recovered from a life-threatening operation. This experience would surely be a difficult battle for anyone, especially such a young girl! But, bit by bit, the Schurmans have been regaining a sense of “normalcy” and progression in their lives. “It is definitely a lifelong adjustment,” Bonnie says. She refers to her daughter Sydney and how wonderfully she handled the situation, even though she was obviously very frightened for her twin sister. A book of poems Sydney wrote about Nelly indicates the sense of fear and uncertainty the young girl had for her sister and best friend. But, as Bonnie feels, putting her feelings into words really helped Sydney to cope during times of grief. While there were plenty of times of grief, Bonnie says, “The support system has been amazing.” She mentions Nelly’s E.A., Flo Davies, and adds, with complete gratitude, that Flo “really understood the healing aspect and helped Nelly to integrate back into her group of friends” — a deed in which the Schurman family is eternally thankful for. It now seems that no feat is too big for their daughter to overcome. As the summer is coming to a close and Nelly prepares for another big year, it seems that this inspiring girl has an unbeliev- able amount of strength and determination to handle anything that may come her way. This determination is Nelly’s gift to oth- ers, She stands as an example of all the extraordinary things a person can accomplish when one’s mind is set to it. Nelly also has the gift of helping others to see the positive in life. One look at her radiant smile and her energy for life and it becomes clear that she could lift anyone’s spirit. By Christina Coughlin Focus on Scugog STUDENTS! Receive 20% discount for all colour Ms services until the end of October MOMS! ‘The kids are back in school — now you have x time to spoil yourselves. Receive 10% off additional 15% off the purchase of aay predicts, Teudy up-to-date lsaks + saad Open Monday -S: 15029 Simcoe St, Port P. 905-985-1714 erry 40.0CTOBER.40 pages 9 partin the Terry Fox Run on September 14 were 92 year old Les has been cancer free for 15 years, ing Caden is is father Ryan. More Terry Fox Run photos on page 34. In stock now PANDORA™ FOCUS - OCTOBER 2008 9 9722108 8:98:38 AM |