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8- The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday February 28, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Aquinas fundraiser impacts toddler's lifestyle By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School has pulled together in support of one of its extended families. Through an exceptional fundraising response last Friday, Hunter Terpstra, the twoyear-old grandson of the school's custodian Rick Bomford, will be able to go to Camp Wanakita in the Haliburton area -- something that will impact his life forever. Terpstra was born with severe hemophilia, a genetic disorder where a person's blood does not clot properly. The camp he will attend, when he reaches age seven, will help him manage his condition. "Our school is known as the little school with a big heart, and for Valentine's we'd like to do something that gives back to the community," said Catherine Wright, school chaplain and organizer of the fundraiser. Over 200 St. Thomas Aquinas students crowded into the gymnasium each paying $2 to attend an information session about Hemophilia and Camp Wanakita. It happened last Friday as the original Valentine's Day date was postponed thanks to a snowstorm. With money from this and other fundraising, done earlier in the week, Wright estimates $1,400 was raised -- far above the $400 goal. Of it, $800 will go to Hemophilia Ontario and the rest to Camp Wanakita. Monique Lackey, Program Chair for the Central Western Ontario Region of Hemophilia Ontario, explained the importance of the camp. "A lot of our kids have bleeding disorders DEREK WOOLLAM / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER HERE'S HOPING: Toddler Hunter Terpstra bounces a balloon with his grandfather, custodian Rick Bomford, during an information session on hemophilia at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School. Hunter's mom Heather spoke about his severe case of Hemophilia. and they need to learn how to self-infuse, so by going to camp, they learn how to do it themselves so they don't become dependent on doctors or their parents," she said. "They also have interaction with people who have a condition like theirs, who understand what it's like." Lackey says fundraisers are essential for kids like Terpstra who attend the camp. "There is a limit of how many kids we can send each year due to financial reasons. So with the financial support of the school it just gives a chance for more kids to be able to go." As student volunteers collected donations and blew up balloons to get the presentation ready, Terpstra bounced a softball over and over again, laughing all the while like any toddler. The only evidence of his condition were his family members who kept a close eye on him as he played, jumping to his side when he stum- bled. "If he falls or goes over on his ankle there'll be a problem," said Bomford, Terpstra's grandfather. Terpstra's mother Heather says her son's condition is so severe that he doesn't even have to injure himself to be at risk. "He can just get a bleed spontaneously. So spontaneously he can just start bleeding into his muscles, his joints, he gets soft tissue bleeds. Anything that would normally be a bruise for you or I could be very bad for him." Despite the seriousness of her son's condition Heather wants her son to enjoy the same pleasures all children experience. "I worry, but I try to let him be a little boy too. Obviously, if he falls and is crying I would run to him quicker and make sure he's okay, and if he bumped his head I would have to really monitor that situation," said Heather. "But you have to let him be a little boy because otherwise he's not going to develop normally." Heather believes her son will get some of that normal childhood experience at the camp because besides helping him with his disorder, the camp also offers activities like archery and kayaking. "It's relaxed and instead of being in a hospital setting you get to learn from your peers as well as the nurses there," she said. Bomford's joy at the turn out for the fundraiser was matched by a cautious optimism for the future. Gesturing to the crowd, he said, "It's going to a good cause. Hopefully down the road, with lots of these fundraisers, they'll come up with a cure. It's a long shot, but let's hope." OAKVILLE - Celebrating 150 years! If we all work together we can beat climate change, reduce our electricity demand, and save money. Lighten Up is a province-wide campaign that provides you with tips on how to reduce your energy consumption. Together, we can make a difference! Tips to be Energy Wise (Part 1 of 2) I will lighten my load · I will use at least 10 CFLs in my home · I will use LED lights for special uses (Christmas lights) I will watch my waste line. · I will remember to turn off lights · I will use appliances efficiently I will not lose control of my temperature. Winter: · I will weatherstrip doors and caulk windows and gaps. · I will keep the thermostat set to 20 degrees or lower. Summer: · I will use natural cooling methods and fans. · I will keep the air conditioner set to 26 degrees or higher. Take the pledge to conserve energy: Register your pledge online and for more tips on how you can conserve energy visit www.lightenupontario.ca Provincial Lead: Local Partner: ONTARIO'S CONSERVATION MOVEMENT www.oakville.ca/environment.htm 905-845-6601 ext. 3910 Oakville Transit Introduces the For only $10 a month, Oakville Transit's new Student Freedom Pass entitles students aged 6 -18 to UNLIMITED travel: · weekday evenings from 5 p.m. AND · all day on weekends and statutory holidays. Bonus! Students who purchase a March 2007 pass will also enjoy unlimited Oakville Transit travel all day, every day during March Break (March 12 - March 16). The Student Freedom Pass is available at all ticket agent locations. For details, please visit www.oakvilletransit.com. *New* Student Freedom Pass! Winter Road Maintenance Did You Know? For more information about snow removal: The Town of Oakville plows streets with the greatest w: www.oakville.ca ph.: 905.815.5999 volume of traffic first. e: roads&works@oakville.ca