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OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, July 8, 2009 · 12 Skydiving for AboutFace Camp Trailblazers Continued from page 10 new friends. "One boy wrote a letter in which he said he made more friends during his weekend at camp than he did in all his years at high school," said Fitzpatrick. Having volunteered at the camp last year, Fitzpatrick said she has kept in touch with many of those she met and pointed out that the day after camp wrapped up, Facebook blogs were counting down until camp this year. While many are shy, not only to attend an unfamiliar camp, but also because of their difference, Fitzpatrick said that is quickly forgotten as the camp experience unfolds. In just a short time, exciting new experiences like horseback riding, adventuring, rock climbing and more are taken in and friendships are forged. Those friendships could last a lifetime and provide a lifeline for those with a facial difference should life hit some highs or lows as time unfolds. "AboutFace is more than just me jumping out of a plane. It's about making connections with people and I "AboutFace is more than just me jumping out of a plane. It's about making connections with people and I think that's what matters." Jessica Fitzpatrick Designers and Manufacturers of Custom Kitchens and Cabinetry Since 1970. · Quality Craftsmanship · Innovative Designs · Professional Service & Installation · 10 Year Warranty HWY. #6 N W S E think that's what matters," said Fitzpatrick. So when her feet are on the edge of the plane doorway and she feels a push, she'll close her eyes, go for it, freefall and then parachute back to the landing field -- and know she's doing it to bring a smile to someone's face and maybe a friendship to their life. "I have seen the direct impact of the funds raised for the Trailblazers Camps first hand. Each additional dollar raised translates into one more smiling camper, one more laugh, one more friendship built and one more experience of a lifetime," said Fitzpatrick. "For a weekend kids and teens with facial differences come together to experience the joys of camp in a safe environment where no one would judge them for their difference. Together we challenged the campers to test their physical, mental WATERDOWN Visit Our SHOWROOM TH D HWY. #5 R. w w w. h a l l m a r k k i t c h e n s . c a HALLMARK KITCHENS For the Ultimate in WOODBURNING FIREPLACES WETT certified installers, High Efficiency Zero Clearance Wood Fireplaces. "MASONRY & FIREPLACE DESIGN SPECIALISTS" 406 SPEERS RD., OAKVILLE ACROSS FROM RONA LANSING 905-337-2066 w w w. c o b b l e s t o n e m b e r s . c a and emotional abilities, whether it was to conquer a fear of rock climbing, horseback riding, or overcoming a stereotype or negative thought pattern -- we did it together. It was a weekend where friendships were built, questions were asked, and experiences and skills were shared," said Fitzpatrick. "It's scary, to have a child with a facial difference," said Fitzpatrick. Those who do, she said, have no idea what to do, who to contact for assistance or how to move forward. And while, every year hundreds of thousands of children are born with facial differences around the world, thousands more children, youths and adults acquire facial disfigurements every day, as a result of disease (such as stroke or cancer) or accident or trauma (accidents, in fires, or from dog bites). It's a challenge that cannot be hidden -- in fact, it's often the first thing the rest of the world sees, making it all the more challenging to face. AboutFace assists whether it's parents of newborns, young children, teens or adults. "Living with a facial difference, regardless if it's congenital or acquired, is a social disability that affects your life from birth and follows you through every life stage. It is something you can't hide," states the AboutFace website at www.aboutface.com. Fitzpatrick, who does kickboxing, was a lifeguard and swim instructor and is a snowboarder, said extreme sports don't scare her. Still, jumping out of a plane should be an extremely thrilling experience and raising funds for AboutFace's Camp Trailblazers should be extremely satisfying. Visit Fitzpatrick's jump page at www.leap-of-faith.ca or link to http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?S ID=2257315. SOU