www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, December 4, 2009 · 10 Dietrichs SE PLEA IN ER ORD ANCE ADV Celebrate the Holidays with Climb raised $20,000 to fight MS Continued from page 8 $299 $399 $549 $329 $499 $299 $799 "Symptoms that a climber can experience with altitude sickness greatly mimic early stages of multiple sclerosis," said Goodale. "There was part of me that wanted to experience what Karin experienced, because I wanted to know." Goodale's brother, Don Goodale, glows when he talks about his family, especially Cathy and Karin. "I am extremely proud of Cathy for what she has accomplished," said Don, an Oakville real estate agent. "She had a vision, she committed to it and she accomplished it." Having his hand in fundraising for Oakville's MS Walk over the years, Don personally saw to it that his sister reached her fundraising goal of $10,000. Together, in fact, they doubled it. Thanks to a silent auction and fundraising dinner at Cucci restaurant in Oakville in April, local residents raised some $20,000 during the event, and after through online donations. Goodale recently received a top fundraising award from the national MS Society for her achievements. Looking back on the night, which Don and Cathy are thinking of making an annual event, Don was clear with his purpose. "We have a sister who has MS and we care about it," he said, not mincing his words. "We wanted to do whatever we could to raise money, so that Cathy could go to Kilimanjaro. Cathy and I reached out to our friends and family and every- "Symptoms that a climber can experience with altitude sickness greatly mimic early stages of multiple sclerosis. There was a part of me that wanted to experience what Karin experienced, because I wanted to know." Cathy Goodale body responded. "There's a strong social conscience of the people in Oakville." As Karin's illness has progressed over the years, she is now a quadriplegic. But her family is very progressive with research. Currently thought incurable, an Italian doctor recently made inroads on a new type of treatment for MS. Dr. Paolo Zamboni's procedure of removing excess iron from the brain has been showing strong results. After the MS Society announced it would be supporting Dr. Zamboni's research, Karin's family immediately got on board. "We are trying to get my sister as one of the first people involved," said Don. "If they are going to do some trials, my sister would like to be involved in that." It is scenarios like this that keep Goodale going, she said. Base Camp Everest shrinks when she thinks of the progress in MS research. Because as Goodale puts it: "My heart is ever hopeful." $800 $2 89 THE FIRST REPORT CARD Your child's first report card has just arrived. Whatever the results, and whatever your reactions, remember that the first report card of the year is not the final word on school achievement. Chances are, your child will have some marks to cheer about and others that will cause concern or frustration. That's fine, because this report card is like a check-up--it will tell you how your child is progressing, how new material is being handled, and whether there are advances or declines from last year. Even if there are some not-so-nice surprises, there's plenty of time to make adjustments. Poor grades? Five Tips to Keep in mind: 1. There's still lot's of time to make a difference. Don't become disheartened. 2. A low grade today is a red flag, highlighting an area that needs attention. With time and support, your child can improve. 3. Read the teacher's comments, because they reveal much more than the actual mark. They can often provide insight into any obstacles to your child's academic success. 4. All children have potential to change, adapt, unlearn, or re-lean. Through cognitive development, children have the potential to change the way they think about a subject...and grow smarter. In fact, this process of cognitive development is Oxford Learning's founding philosophy. 5. Take note and then take action! With the right plan, great improvements can occur--no matter how fast the year flies by. It's your child's potential (what he or she is capable of achieving) that really matters, not what has been achieved so far. $4 99 $4 49 $699 $ 899 Please place all holiday orders well in advance QEW 3r 3rd Line 1260 SPEERS X Unit 13 4t 4th Line t Dorval Voted Best Learning Centre A better future for your child starts here! www.oxfordlearning.com OAKVILLE SOUTH Maple Grove Village 511 Maple Grove Dr., Suite 2, Oakville (905) 849-4027 oakvillesouth@oxfordlearning.com OAKVILLE NORTH 1131 Nottinghill Gate, Oakville (905) 469-1929 oakville@oxfordlearning.com N