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Two years ago I had the pleasure of meeting an inspiring young girl named Nelleke (Nelly) Schurman who - despite being legally blind, having ataxia and paralysis (lack of balance) as a result of a brain tumour in 2006 - pos- sessed an unwavering zest for life. Today, Nelly’s positive energy is just as radiant as before and has propelled her into her latest project, “Nelly’s Garden,” which has been built in an effort to raise funds for Sick Kids b.r.a.i.nchild and the CNIB (Canadian tional Institute for the Blind). Nelly’s mother, Bonnie, says that without the help of Chris Adomeit of Rolling Hills Landscaping, “none of this would have been possible.” Nelly has proudly watched as her innovative vision of a garden to help others came to life. Upon hearing of the Schurman’s quest, Chris - who like Nelly has been touched by cancer and shares a passion for helping the community - felt compelled to help out. Nelly says she is beyond grateful for his devotion to organizing and constructing the entire garden. And Nelly is also appreciative of the generous donations from other locals, including flowers and plants from Karen Vanderzalm of Century Home and Garden, triple mix from Shepstone Haulage, a decorative sign created by Canadian Sign Systems, and the funds for lumber from Lake Scugog Lumber. With everyone's contributions, she is armed with all the necessi- ties to grow fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, NallysG Making YOUTH, olf den | ) IS Yea], ; Mitty | Nelly Schurman, centre sits in front of Nelly’s Garden with two of her supporters, Chris Adomeit, left and Karen Vanderzalm 26 FOCUS - AUGUST 2010