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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday February 20, 2008 - 13 Health-related news, tips and stories from the YMCA of Oakville February 20, 2008 2008 Goal is $120,000 Raised to Date: $24,000 Our Mission The YMCA of Oakville is a charitable association open to all, dedicated to providing life-long opportunities for health enhancement and personal growth. STRONG KIDS: TRANSFORMING G LIVES AT TH Raising four children is a challenge in itself, but for Oakville resident Dan De Iuliis and his wife Emilia, the challenge includes two boys with autism spectrum disorder ­ Sebastian, seven, and Dominic, three ­ and busy twin girls Domenica and Andrea, age five. Autistic children are naturally drawn to water, and the De Iuliis family has decided that rather than suppress Sebastian's enchantment, they would contribute to his interest with swimming lessons. For eight months, Sebastian has been enrolled in swimming and has thrived with the help of the Oakville YMCA's swim staff and his parents' ongoing encouragement. This opportunity has allowed Sebastian to build selfconfidence and boost his verbalization skills. Like most parents, Dan and Emilia want the best for their children. Having autistic kids doesn't make life easy, but Dan says, "we persevere." Dan works full time, while Joan stays home with the children. Budgets are tight, and there is little room for discretionary spending. Dan says that he has found a "sanctuary" for his family at the Y. With the help of the caring and enthusiastic Y staff ­ and the support of members and other donors through the Y Strong Kids program ­ his children are realizing their hidden potential. "Differences are appreciated here," says Dan. Sebastian is very social, caring and empathetic. Unlike many autistic children, he can read peoples' emotions. At the Oakville Dan points out that his younger son, Dominic, will soon follow in Sebastian's footsteps and join a Y swim class. Dan keeps a positive outlook on life and is enthusiastic about being an advocate for autistic children; he feels that his job as a dad is to teach others about this disorder Dan and Emilia are de- The YMCA of Oakville is a charity. The YMCA Strong Kids Campaign allows children to attend programs that their parents might not be able to pay for in full. Each year, more than 1500 children and families take part in Y programs, thanks to those who donate generously to Strong Kids. Please invest in a child today. Go to www.ymcastrongkids.ca and read our Oakville stories....then make your donation at `Donate Now'. For more information or to make a donation, call Deb Thomson at 905-845-5597 ext 317 or email her at debth@oakville ymca ca Come in and Meet Us! engthening ardio and Core Wellness & Basketball Camp ium e h Programs ip Programs ghts g March 10 ­ 14: Hoop it up for a full week of dribbling and basketball skills. Join us from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. For youth aged 8 to 14. $170. Adventure Tour Camp National Lifeguard Service (NLS) Camp PA Day Ski & Snowboard at Blue Mountain Head for the hills for the day on Friday, March 7! Ages 8 to 99. $90/day includes transportation and lift pass. Bronze Star/Basic First Aid Camp March 10 ­ 14: Travel every day and see fun spots like the Hockey Hall of Fame, the ROM and the Mountsberg Zoo. For youth aged 8 to 13. $200. Take it to a new level and make the week count! 16+ yrs (proof of Bronze Cross & Standard First Aid). Y Members $190, Non-members $240. Learn new skills in the pool! A full week program for ages 10 - 13 years (prior swim lessons). Y Members $65, Non-members $75. For information, go to www.ymcaofoakville.com and look under `What's New' or call the Y at 905-845-3417. 410 Rebecca Street | Oakville, ON L6K 1K7 | Telephone: 905-845-3417 | Fax: 905-842-6792 | Email: customerservice@oakville.ymca.ca | www.ymcaofoakville.com Monday to Friday 5:30 am ­ 10:00 pm | Saturday 7:00 am ­ 6:00 pm | Sunday 8:00 am ­ 6:00 pm Design by