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The time of your life


We may only go 'round one time
As far as I can tell
It's the time of your life so live it well!

Listening to that song from A Bug’s Life is one of my best memories from Christmas. We gave Ben a CD of Pixar theme songs and he and I sat on the couch and swayed side to side to these somewhat goofy songs with such irrepressible spirit that I couldn’t help smiling.

I think Ben would make the perfect Pixar movie character – an underdog with a heart of gold and an impish, mischievous character. An unlikely hero.

Recently, I met and wrote about some people who inspire me to live my life to the fullest (click on the links to read their stories).

Lauren Daly and Nicole Flynn are elite athletes who train up to 17 hours a week as synchronized swimming duet partners. Lauren has cerebral palsy and Nicole has Down syndrome. These teenagers were a delight to interview because they’re great friends who are passionate about what they do (I even got to see a modified routine on land). They make me want to go out and try something new and not give up no matter what.

Gavin White was an avid hockey player and cyclist when his arms and legs went numb and he began falling over. Six weeks later the 16-year-old was diagnosed with an auto-immune disorder that left him in hospital for four months, paralyzed and on life-support. When he came to Bloorview for seven months of gruelling, painful rehabilitation, he couldn’t move. ‘Grace’ is the word that came to mind when I interviewed Gavin. He recently defied the odds by running with the Olympic torch.

And Louise Kublick has spent her career making swimming accessible to kids with all degrees of disability.

I salute them and wish you a Happy New Year!

Ballet in the water



Patty Daly contacted me to tell me about a sport that welcomes children with disabilities: synchronized swimming.

Patty’s daughter Lauren, 18, has cerebral palsy and has been doing “synchro” since she was 10. Her duet partner – Nicole Flynn, 16, has Down syndrome, and the pair compete in Ontario and nationally (see photo).

The sport has had numerous benefits for Lauren “and I would like to get the word out to other families so they’re aware this opportunity exists,” Patty says.

Synchro Canada says clubs across the country have programs for athletes with disabilities – many integrated into regular programs. Our next issue of BLOOM will include a role model column with Lauren and Nicole. Here’s what Patty has to say:

“Synchro has given Lauren a sport that she’s been able to excel at, the opportunity to swim with peers, confidence to swim in front of an audience and most importantly, she sees the rewards of doing therapy.

Before the girls head into the water, they do land drill, which includes stretching and strength-building. It’s the same in essence as what Lauren would do in therapy, but it isn’t labeled “therapy.” All of the able-bodied athletes do it with them, so they aren’t singled out as a result of their disability.

When Lauren has her appointments at Bloorview, they’re always amazed that someone with her disability is as flexible as she is and is able to do the splits. I have tried to get the word to these doctors that this is all a result of synchro.

Synchro has given Lauren confidence in school as well and has taught her how to manage her time (if she didn't get her homework done, she wasn't able to go to synchro). She’s successfully completed her training as a lifeguard and spent the last two summers working at an overnight camp. She’s also a member of her high school swimming team, advancing to the provincial championships every year.

This coming year, Lauren and Nicole (her duet partner) are hoping that they might have the opportunity to swim in Japan!

Every synchro club is encouraged to include swimmers with physical and cognitive disabilities. In the water, disabilities are not as pronounced. The coaches work with each child to maximize their ability.

I think there are other parents out there who have children who could greatly benefit from synchro if they only knew about it. ”

(note: Synchro Canada’s Aquasquirt program is open to boys and girls)