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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, July 8, 2010 · 18 Health Oakville Beaver Karate event raises profile of Angelman Oakville resident Heidi Blackburn thought she'd have to teach her son Callum about the world. Turns out she has to teach the world about her son. Callum was born in the summer of 2004. In the summer of 2005, he was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome (AS), a condition of which most people have not even heard. The unexpected diagnosis has led Callum to become an ambassador for awareness of Angelman. He is even featured in a YouTube video geared to do just that, create awareness. It is part of the SpeakOut4AS campaign. Caused by a disorder of the 15th chromosome, `Angels' experience severe developmental delay making independent living virtually impossible. They cannot speak, have seizures and require assistance to eat and walk -- if they can walk at all. They also have sleep disturbances and can be awake two to five hours each night. Callum has a supportive immediate and extended family, but needs 24hour supervision, according to his mom. He also has a live-in caregiver, a nurse two nights a week, support care each weekend and 15 medical people involved in his care. And he has physical, occupational and speech therapy lessons weekly, along with numerous medical appointments. Much of the additional costs are borne by his family. Recently 20 children participated in a one-hour beginner karate session for an event called Karate for Callum in support of the Canadian Angelman Syndrome Society (a small Canada-wide charity providing support for families coping with Angelman Syndrome). The event was initiated by Callum's cousin Ethan Malicki and his aunt Monica Preiner. Sensei Jonathan Kenney donated his time and expertise and hosted PHOTO COURTESY OF HEIDI BLACKBURN the event at the Canadian Martial Arts Centre in LOTS TO LEARN: Sensei Jonathan Kenney of the Canadian Martial Arts Centre and Sarah downtown Oakville. Crawford of Terrain Yoga Studio with Ethan Malicki and Callum Blackburn. "I thought I would have to teach my son about the world, turns out I have to teach the world about my son... Most people have never heard of Angelman Syndrome. Callum has a lot to teach us. Heidi Blackburn, Callum's mom Sarah Crawford from Terrain Yoga Studio guided the children in a yoga warm up and cool down. The event raised more than $500, but more importantly raised awareness of Angelman Syndrome, which is a rare genetic condition that causes a severe global development delay making independent life impossible. Individuals with this condition suffer from feeding difficulties, severe sleep problems and uncontrollable seizure activity and require 24-hour care. Callum's family members are now advocates for Angelman Syndrome and, according to his mom, Callum has a lot to teach the world. On the YouTubevideo created to raise awareness of AS, it states that people view Callum as a boy who doesn't speak, but his mom sees him as a boy who needs no words. To learn more, visit Callum's YouTube video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifDg ltsL2FU or visit www.speakout4AS.org. Oakville VW hosts barbecue for OTMH Acorn Family Health and Wellness Specializes in: Helping Families Every Step of the Way! · Pediatrics · Pre and Postnatal Care · Naturally Turning Breech Babies · Headaches/Migraines · Fertility Issues · Low Back/Neck Pain · Sciatica · Posture and Osteoarthritis Oakville Volkswagen will host a Charity Barbecue fundraiser Saturday, July 11 in support of Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH) through the Oakville Hospital Foundation. The Oakville Hospital Foundation (OHF) raises funds to purchase essential medical equipment for OTMH. To achieve its mandate, the foundation relies on support from community members, like the Oakville Volkswagen Charity BBQ, to ensure that OTMH's doctors, nurses and staff can continue to provide high Wellness care for the entire family! 245 Wyecroft Road, Unit 2, Oakville, ON (Prana Yoga & Wellness Studios) ORGANIC Why do you pay more for yoga? YOGA Family Chiropractor/Acupuncturist Dr. Jenna Davis 905.334.0975 All Classes $10 / Small Class Size Regular temperature and Inclusive atmosphere 10% of profit is donated to charities www.myorganicyoga.com 802 Southdown Rd., Unit #1, Mississauga www.acornhealth.ca 416-270-8768 quality healthcare services, close to home. This year, more than $3 million worth of vital medical equipment will be purchased for OTMH. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with food being served at 11:30 a.m. There will also be raffles, giveaways and more. Oakville Volkswagen is located at 1355 North Service Rd. W., just east of Third Line. For more information on the fundraiser, contact the dealership at 905-844-3285 or www.twitter.con/oakville_vw.