| TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE: |
|
| Katie Finds Her Voice
Imagine you're a bright little girl. You don't want milk for dinner. You want juice, or chocolate milk, or regular milk heated. But you can't speak the words.
That was the case for Katie, whose cerebral palsy limits her speech to a handful of words. A simple request could turn into an elaborate guessing game that was stressful for the preschooler and her parents.
That changed when Katie was fitted with speech technology at Bloorview Kids Rehab. A screen with pages of kid-friendly words paired with pictures was mounted on her wheelchair so Katie could press the buttons she wanted to activate the machine's voice - giving her access, over time, to thousands of words.
|
| EXPERTISE SHOWCASE: |
|
|
 Bloorview is thrilled to have recruited Dr. Evdokia Anagnostou, an internationally renowned clinician scientist and an expert in autism research. Dr. Anagnostou is conducting clinical trials that will help identify the first viable medications for kids with autism.
There are more children diagnosed with autism than ever before - the incidence is now one out of every 112 births. Yet autism is still a medical mystery. No one knows its cause. There are not enough healthcare professionals in the field. Quality training programs are scarce. And research into the etiology, diagnosis, biology and treatment options is under-funded.
|
| ENTER TO WIN! |
|
| 2010 Recipes for Possibility Calendar
Enter to Win!
WIN a private wine tour and
dinner for 6 guests at Peller Estates. Visit
www.recipesforpossibility.com
to download previous recipes and buy the 2010 calendar.
| |
|
| A CHILD'S STORY: |
|
 Darren: Fortunate to Receive Customized Care
When Darren first arrived at Bloorview Kids Rehab, he didn't want to be here, but on his discharge day, December 11, 2009, he found it hard to say goodbye.
"At first I hated everyone and everything about the place, but after being here for just a week, my mood and comfort level improved dramatically. I gave everyone a chance and grew to love this place," says Darren.
The 15-year-old teen was hit by a car while skateboarding home from playing volleyball the night of October 27, 2009. His mother was on her way to pick him up and saw police cars and a crowd of people on the road. "In between everyone's legs, I saw this little blond streak of hair and I knew it was him. I have never seen a body so bent," says Darren's mother Lynne.
|
| GUEST COLUMN: |
|
| A Family's Journey
By Patricia and Tom Muir
 Our son, Christopher, was diagnosed at the age of 18 months with a global developmental disability. Today, Christopher is a happy and thriving 19-year-old with special needs.
In the early years, Christopher's language skills were severely delayed. His frustration with not being able to communicate his feelings and needs led to behavioural issues that put significant stress on the family.
As we searched for services and programs to help the family cope and to advance Christopher's development, we came across the highly acclaimed "Play & Learn" nursery school program, run by the Hugh McMillan Children's Centre, one of the predecessor organizations to Bloorview Kids Rehab. We soon discovered a host of other specialized services and developmental programs at Hugh McMillan. We also found tremendous support in a matrix of other community organizations, including specialized assessment and service providers, public schools, respite care organizations and government funding agencies.
|
| FUNDRAISING: |
|
|
Now in its 4th year, the Recipes for Possibility fundraising initiative, which includes, An Evening of Possibility dinner, has raised more than $1 million in support of Bloorview's extraordinary hospital for children with disabilities.
On November 23, 2009, Bloorview hosted An Evening of Possibility, gathering 250 of Toronto's business and community leaders for a night of fine dining prepared by some of Canada's finest chefs. The evening was hosted by Canada AM's Beverly Thomson and featured acclaimed singer Jusin Hines. |
| DONOR EVENTS: |
|
 Laughs for Possibility
Kevin Hearn of The Barenaked Ladies joined Canadian Comedy Superstars for the 2nd Annual Laughs for Possibility fundraiser in support of Bloorview. It was a great show with live music, laughs and food. Lloyd Ravn, the founder of Laughs for Possibility, was a crowd pleaser! This year's event raised $3,500 for Bloorview's Therapeutic Clown program, Nursery School program and the Emergency Family Support Fund. |
| DONOR EVENTS: |
|
 Toronto Parking Authority
Over the last four years, the Toronto Parking Authority has raised more than $100,000 in support of Bloorview. This year's event was another success! The sun was shining and the greens were gorgeous, which helped raise $32,000 in support of Bloorview. | |
| DONOR EVENTS: |
|
 Battle of the Blades
In November, Canadian hockey greats and Canadian figure skating stars teamed up in a fierce competition in CBC's Battle of the Blades. Barbara Underhill, five-time Canadian national champion and gold medal winner, choose Bloorview as her charity of choice.
Though Barb and her partner Ron Duguay did not make it to the final round, Barb still won $12,500 for Bloorview. Barb selected Bloorview because her niece, Melissa, was born with spina bifida and has benefitted tremendously from Bloorview's programs and services. |
| COMING SOON: |
|
|
The Bay Street Hoops Basketball Tournament is one of Toronto's largest charity sports events. Since 1995, they have raised $1.8 million for children's charities in the Toronto area. Bloorview will be the charity of choice for the next two years. The event will take place March 25 to 27, 2010. |
| COMING SOON: |
|
|
Join us on April 30, 2010 for Kasting 4 Kids Rehab at the exclusive Franklin Club. Enjoy a gourmet lunch and try your hand at fly-fishing for rainbow and speckled trout. Beginner and advanced lessons are included. All proceeds go to Bloorview.
| |
|
