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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday June 20, 2008 - 3 ABI could strike anyone,not all can afford it By Hiba Kesebi SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER On Thanksgiving Day last year, Selena Solis went through the unimaginable for an eight year old. She had a stroke that left the right side of her body limp and her speech impaired. Today, Selena continues her quick recovery to health. She was released from Toronto's Bloorview Kids Rehab -- where she saw a physiotherapist and speech therapist -- almost five months ago. She's now back with her friends at Sunningdale Public School, and will likely advance with them to Grade 4 after 100 hours of tutoring. The energetic youngster is also the spokesperson for the Butterfly and Brains charity, founded by Selena's mother, Carol Solis. The charity aims to assist those families who have a child with an acquired brain injury (ABI). Although it was accepted by the government in as little as two months, Carol admits there is still more room for desperately needed help and volunteers. The single mother is trying to raise money so that children who have an ABI are able receive the ther- SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER STRONGER EVERY DAY: Selena Solis and her mom, Carol. apy that is required to improve their health condition. "The government only pays for one hour a week of therapy, people are paying the rest from their own pockets," said Carol, adding that many families struggle, and become financially burdened with the costs. "The thing is, this (ABI) could happen to anyone, but not everyone is able to afford $2,000 a month for treatment. I literally thought I was going to have to sell my house." The long term impacts of ABI dif- fer from person to person and case to case. It can lead people to experience increased fatigue, changes in their behaviour and personality, physical appearance and learning abilities. Individuals can also have memory and speech problems, as well as difficulty with co-ordination and balance. Selena's experiences opened the Solis family's eyes to the struggles that approximately 50,000 people in Ontario face because of ABI. That's why Carol immediately embarked on a mission to help, not just her daughter, Selena, but rather, every other child who is suffering from ABI. Carol sent out letters with the children at Selena's school to raise awareness about the newly established charity and ABI. However, the response she received shocked her. "People should be embarrassed of themselves," she said, She sent out about 250 letters and not one was returned. "I hope this (ABI) doesn't happen to anyone, but honest to God, if it did, I would be the first to help." According to Carol, people "should step up to the plate" and help. To date, the charity has raised some $2,000. It will also have its first annual fundraiser picnic this Sunday, June 22 at Bronte Creek Provincial Park. The event will run from noon to 2 p.m., and all proceeds will go the Butterfly and Brains charity. To date, Carol said that only 50 to 60 people have confirmed. "My heart bleeds for families who are not able to cover all the costs of treatment. These children desperately need tutoring, swimming lessons and physio." "There's something wrong with our system, we're ready to fight the war on Iraq and not help our children," she added. Carol said that currently there are 10 active volunteers, and a dozen children, "and a whole lot more once they get out of Bloorview Kids Rehab," involved with Butterfly and Brains. The self-employed mother is stressing that it's not just money that the newly-formed charity needs, rather it's corporate sponsors, tutors, volunteers for speech therapy, physiotherapy, swimming, Pilates, yoga, even a lawyer for legal services. "I'm looking for Oakville to stand up, help, and look for corporate sponsors to support us," said a determined Carol. For more information, visit www.butterflies-brains.org or call 905-901-7777. Pacesetters riding 200km to conquer cancer This weekend Olympic Silver medalist Steve Bauer and Oakville resident Lawrence Zimmering will lead their 68-member team, The Bauer-Zimmering Pacesetters, in The Ride to Conquer Cancer benefitting The Princess Margaret Hospital. The team has been practicing since April with five-hour weekend rides. This weekend's two-day ride will cover 200 km from Toronto to Niagara Falls with a night of camping in Hamilton. By participating, riders will support research of new cancer therapies. "The reality is that cancer touches us all, and the impact it has had on me and my family, as well as many others, has been profound," said Zimmering. "That's one of the reasons I wanted to participate, to combine my contribution to the fight, with one of my other great passions, cycling." "Last year I was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer. The record now shows I had successful Sign up on Line surgery thanks to the exceptional skill of the physicians. At the time, the doctors told me that the rapid speed of my recovery was due in part to my level of fitness; which I at least partly attribute to my love for cycling," said Zimmering. "Beyond my good health, cycling has also helped me form many lasting friendships one of which is with Steve Bauer, one of Canada's greatest riders. Together Steve and I are calling on all our friends, family and associates to form The Bauer-Zimmering Pacesetters team, so that we can contribute in a modest but meaningful way to the fight against cancer," said Zimmering. Zimmering's company, Resolve Corporation, is also supporting the cause -- sponsoring the Ride crew members who provide meals, water and snacks for riders and setting up the overnight campsite. In addition, Resolve encouraged employees to volunteer and recruited more than 100 people. Bauer is Canada's most successful international cyclist and the only DEREK WOOLLAM / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER RIDING FOR A CAUSE: Dr. Neil Fleshner, left, Lawrence Zimmering, president of Resolve, Sherri Freedman of the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation and Steve Bauer, Olympic Silver medalist lead The Bauer-Zimmering Pacesetters from Munn's Church on its first training ride in preparation for this weekend's Ride to Conquer Cancer benefitting The Princess Margaret Foundation. Canadian to lead the Tour de France. Bauer began cycling at age 16 when he joined the St. Catharines Cycling Club and won the 100 km road race at the Ontario Summer Games (his third race), and later placing eighth in the World Championships in Venezuela with the National Cycling Team. He won the silver medal at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, and today operates Steve Bauer Bike Tours Inc, a tour company based in St. Catharines that specializes in international cycling trips such as the Tour de France. The Bauer-Zimmering Pacesetters team aims to raise $250,000 for the cause. All funds raised by the team will go directly to Dr. Neil Fleshner and his team at Princess Margaret, to support his work in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. For more information, visit the Bauer-Zimmering team webpage through the event website www.conquercancer.ca or call 416- 815-RIDE (7433). w www. ultimatedrivers .ca 16 Year s nt of Excelle Ser vice DRIVING IS A PRIVILEGE, LET US HELP YOUR EARN IT Classes available in evenings, weekend & 4 consecutive days. Exclusive sessions on Impaired Driving. Ex Special Presentations on Collision prevention and Road Rage. Eva ry Special Preparation & Evaluation for the Ministry Road Test. Our Success Rate is 98% k-u FREE Pick-up from home, work or school. Fleet of new Model Cars. 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