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16 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday September 24, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Living Oakville Beaver LIVING EDITOR: ANGELA BLACKBURN By Angela Blackburn OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Phone: 905-845-3824, ext. 248 Fax: 905-337-5567 e-mail: ablackburn@oakvillebeaver.com California a wild ride for Oakville boy I f wishes could come true. Thirteenyear-old Michael Robinson didn't chat with the wishing star, but did have his wish granted recently. Short of finding a cure for Duchenne, the type of muscular dystrophy that affects Michael, it did for his family, too. The wish -- to travel to half a dozen amusement parks in California all in one trip -- was granted to Michael, and his family, by the Children's Wish Foundation. Michael, his parents Steve and Susan and his sister Amanda, a 16­year-old Grade 11 student at Oakville-Trafalgar High School, made the trip like VIPs to two parks at Disney Land, Universal Studios, Knottsberry Farm and Six Flags. Michael has a genetic neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive weakness and wasting of the voluntary muscles that control body movement that, over time are affecting his ability to walk, speak and potentially breathe. Last year, the Grade 8 E.J. James Public School student, began using a wheelchair. He had been using a scooter, which his family got for him when he became too big for his wagon. mechanics) he was not totally freaked out on X2 like the rest of us, which is amazing," said his mom. In fact, Michael has already replicated the ride on his computer game Rollercoaster Tycoon3. The Robinsons have lived in Oakville's Clearview community since 1999, having moved here from neighbouring Mississauga. They hooked up with the Children's Wish Foundation through Bloorview Kids' Rehabilitation. After Michael had interviews about his wish -- independently of members of his family in order that he be granted his wish -- the family was told they could go. In mid August, they packed up and were picked up at their door for a whirlwind, eight-day, VIP tour of California's best amusement parks. They stayed onsite at Disneyland and Michael's parents told The Beaver that while other members of the family kept busy in the hotel room watching TV, Michael took advantage of the view overlooking the park to plot their roller coaster riding agenda. "I was a little bit scared, but it was pretty good," said Michael of the X2 ride. While Michael's mom also loves the rides -- she has a t-shirt that labels her `scream queen' and all family members go on them, discussion of the heartstoppers draws more grimaces from Michael's dad and sister. While in California, the family took in Newport Beach, Santa Monica, the Hollywood hills and Hollywood's walk of fame, but had RON KUZYK / OAKVILLE BEAVER A DAY AT THE PARK: Michael Robinson, 13, whose computer user name is inachaironwheels, has recreated his own X2 ride now that he's home, but still California dreamin' of his recent wish trip to several California amusement parks. Michael's fascination with reputation. It is the most psychotroller coasters may come from the ic ride we've ever ridden," said fact that he finds them "freeing." Susan, explaining you travel down They began after he started vis- a 95-degree drop backward then iting Canada's Wonderland with flip halfway down the drop, facing his family where he began, typical- straight down at the ground with ly, on the Ghoster Coaster. "body" air time to boot. This past summer he rode the "It's like you're flying. There's Behemoth some 20 times, but it themed music from speakers in just doesn't compare to the seat and also searing hot California's X2 at Six Flags. flames shooting out just before a It is a five-dimensional roller drop. Michael is so relaxed on coaster, which is nicknamed OMG these rides, unlike us, because he 2 (Oh My God squared). totally trusts the harness/equip"We have to say it lives up to its ment (he knows all about the Pamper Yourself Here With A Free Trial Stay There's no better way to experience our hotel-style services. Discover a community of adults who don't want to act retired. Call Jill Voytek for all the trial stay details. 905-469-3232 www.delmanor.com Or drop by 1459 Nottinghill Gate (just west of Dorval, south of Upper Middle) See Inachaironwheels page 17 Oakville Ukrainian Festival A celebration of culture, family entertainment and good food! People's Choice Award Winner 3 Years in a Row... Thank You Oakville! Saturday, September 27, 2008 (11 am - 5 pm) y, p , St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church (262 Maple Grove Dr., (southeast Oakville) "Barabolya" Children's Entertainers "Barvinok" Dance School "Desna" Dance Co. "Kalyna" Performing Arts Co. "Solyovey" band "Ukraina" Dance Ensemble "Zaporizian Kozaks" "Zubrivka" folk band Also featuring: Children's Fun Village, Craft Market, Hot Meals, (fresh varenyky, cabbage rolls, smokies, etc.) Beer Garden etc. For more information: Oksana 905-465-3388 / www.tserkva.ca