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Spencer is on the red carpet thanks to ErinoakKids by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver 5 | Friday, October 31, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com For eight-year-old Spencer Morgan, the ErinoakKids Centre for Treatment and Development has been key in helping him branch out on his own after a brain injury. The Oakville youngster was the recipient of this year's Branching Out Award, which recognizes a current ErinoakKids client older than age six who has shown progress in extracurricular activities and has established friendships with other participants. He received the accolade at ErinoakKids' recent Pride & Joy Awards at the Oakville Conference Centre Friday, Oct. 24. Drawing more than 300 people with eTalk anchor Ben Mulroney as host, the Oscarthemed event celebrated the successes of more than 14,500 children and youth served by ErinoakKids, Ontario's largest children's treatment centre. The organization helps children and youths with physical, development and communicative disabilities achieve levels of independence, learning, health and well-being. "This is always a very special night for those of us at ErinoakKids because it allows us a unique opportunity to provide you with a glimpse of the miracles, small and large, that happen each and every day across our very special organization," said Bridget Fewtrell, ErinoakKids president and CEO. "The children and youths we serve, like all children, are unique and special. Each has goals, hopes and dreams -- about what they want to do and who they want to be." When Spencer was four, he had an accident that resulted in an acquired brain injury. He spent three months in palliative care and six more at a rehabilitation hospital. While his mom Lisa McKinnon doesn't like to speak of the accident, she proudly told the Oakville Beaver the positive changes in Spencer have been "phenomenal," since joining ErinoakKids in December 2010, Both guest host Ben Mulroney, left, and award winner Spencer Morgan of Oakville charmed the audience at the 2014 ErinoakKids Pride & Joy Awards gala. | photo by Inger MacKenzie - special to the Beaver noting he had to relearn everything. Within six months, he no longer required a wheelchair or a feeding tube. "When we first started there, he was just coming out of a wheelchair, he was still using a wheelchair. He learned how to sit, crawl, walk, run and he's working on his communication. He's come a very long ways since we started," said McKinnon. With the help of the Assistive Devices Resource Service (ADRS) team who equipped him with communication and writing aids, Spencer can form full sentences and interact with peers. McKinnon said her son always goes to his speech therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy sessions with a "smile on his face" and never complains. "He doesn't actually know he's in therapy, it's very play-oriented. They're very creative about making it seem like fun. Everybody is happy to see him and they make it fun. He thinks he's playing," said McKinnon, noting Spencer favours the group activities. During her acceptance speech on behalf of Spencer, McKinnon said the support ErinoakKids provided her family when he left the inpatient care at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) was really important. see ErinoakKids on p.9 This is always a very special night for those of us at ErinoakKids because it allows us a unique opportunity to provide you with a glimpse of the miracles, small and large, that happen each and every day across our very special organization. CEO/president ErinoakKids A STEP BEYOND IN CARE Do you have: Salima Kassam Reg. Chiropodist Bridget Fewtrell · Foot/Arch Pain? · Ingrown Toenails? · Diabetes? · Swollen Ankles? · Corns, Calluses? save · Comfortable, Orthopedic Footwear · Custom Orthotics · Compression Garments · Body Braces · Women's Health Products · Body Support Products Call for an appointment 905-632-1414 $10 728 Burloak Drive www.footandhealthclinic.com When you spend $50 or more on anything in the store. Expires Nov. 24, 2014. Some exceptions apply. Before taxes. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Not valid with any other offer. save $20 FREE KITCHEN SEMINAR FOR NON-MEMBERS When: Wednesday, November 5th at 7:00 pm Where: 4180 Sladeview Cres., Mississauga Learn the rule of thumb on setting a budget, planning and design, installation, and much more from our professional designers. Bring your quotes and we'll compare prices. Find out how members save up to 50% and more off the best retail sale prices. Limited space. ATTENTION When you spend $100 or more on anything in the store. Expires Nov. 24, 2014. Some exceptions apply. Before taxes. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Not valid with any other offer. Call 905-608-9244, or email inquiries@directbuymississauga.com Please quote reference # OB802 511 Maple Grove Dr. Oakville 289-644-2464 www.comfortclinic.ca info@comfortclinic.ca