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Letter to the editor 7 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, July 16, 2009 Thanks to an amazing community Summer When my husband and I moved to Oakville three years ago, with our special needs son Callum, we had no idea about the welcoming we would receive and the constant support that would surround us. Entering a new community is tough enough; add the complexities of integrating a special child and things can get tougher. Our experience has been one of heartwarming care and concern. From the moment I stepped into the Oakville Parent Child Centre, which immediately found a nursery school spot for Callum and then introduced us to the special needs community in Oakville; to the successful transition into JK at St. Vincent's school -- I have been overwhelmed with how people continue to embrace Callum and all the challenges he faces. But on June 14 more than 300 people gathered together at Lawson Park to walk one kilometre or run five kilometres and raise money and awareness for a very small charity called the Canadian Angelman Syndrome Society (CASS). Why did this community come together and raise this money for CASS and a relatively unknown syndrome? Because they embraced my son and a syndrome they knew nothing about. And the response didn't stop there. A very special Grade 2 student from St. Vincent school decided to donate his $100 hockey pool winnings to `Callum's run'. How inspiring! Special thanks to Kelly Demmings (a mom at St. Vincent school) who took it upon herself to do something incredible to help and organize this event. Kelly then managed to get a team of friends from the school community involved, all of whom were then instrumental in taking up this challenge. The generosity that this community has shown is remarkable and reflects their incredible spirit. Thanks also to the many corporate sponsors involved in the day: Bachly Construction, Balaban Enterprises, Brendan Moore, Cara Foods, Dr. Robert Saunders, Dr. Simon Pong, Dunnwright Construction, School Grades 1-12 Tutoring · Reading, Writing, Math, Study Skills and more High School Credits · · · · New or Upgrades Offered in July or August Average student teacher ratio 2:1 Credits are transfered to the student's school Alistair, Callum and Heidi Blackburn Embroidme Oakville, Forestview Construction, Glenridge Homes, Kennedy Jones & Sweeney Inc., Lockwood Chrysler, Maverick Graphics Inc., The Freedman Family, The Running Company, Tim Hortons, Venere Salon, Wal-Mart and West End Pools. A final thank you to Bob deHoog (at the Town of Oakville), who from the very beginning of this project offered us every possible means of support. CASS is a very small charity that serves families from across Canada. The money raised will go directly to our programs and will assist us tremendously in reaching more families and providing better support for parents and caregivers of children with Angelman Syndrome (known fondly as `Angels' for their happy demeanor). Everyone involved in CASS are volunteers -- all the money is going directly to our programs. So thank you again for opening your hearts to my son and don't ever forget that an Angel is thinking of you and smiling in a way that only an Angel can. I welcome you to meet my son by visiting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VupxElX _3xg. HEIDI BLACKBURN, MOTHER OF CALLUM BLACKBURN WHO SUFFERS FROM ANGELMAN SYNDROME Chisholm also offers comprehensive educational assessments (psychoeducational) and a full-time private high school for students not reaching their academic potential 1484 Cornwall Road Oakville, ON 905.844.3240 www.chisholmcentre.com CABINET REFACING TRANSFORM YOUR EXISTING KITCHEN TO YOUR DREAM KITCHEN! Before up r e ove lacem rep VE SAto 4l0t ful n % Petite and Reg. Fashions Sidewalk Sale UP TO After Visit our showroom or call for your FREE IN-HOME Consultation. 529 Speers Road Oakville 70 off (some exceptions apply) % Save up to $ renovation tax credit! 1350 with the new home MAPLE GROVE VILLAGE, OAKVILLE (905) 845-0655 1-888-350-8752 1-888-232-1363 www.granitetransformations.com www.granitetransformations.ca