Media & News
Stroke victim to stage 28-kilometre 'Power Walk'; Victim of childhood stroke plans walk to Mississauga
Friday, May 26, 2006
Georgetown Independent - LISA TALLYN, Staff Writer
"Anything is possible if you put your mind to it," says Lauren Boyce of Georgetown.
The 23-year-old, who is partially paralyzed from a massive stroke she suffered as a child, will be living up to those words Saturday when she walks 28 km to raise funds for Erinoak Children's Treatment Centre and awareness about people with disabilities.
She calls the event the "Stroke of Power Walk."
Boyce will walk from the Town of Halton Hills Civic Centre to the Erinoak Treatment Centre in Mississauga, which provides rehabilitation and support services for children and young adults from Halton and Peel with physical, developmental and communication disabilities. Boyce was a client at the centre for 10 years.
The starting ceremony for the walk will begin at 8 a.m., (the mayor will attend) and Boyce expects to arrive at the treatment centre on South Millway at around 5 p.m.
"This walk is to show every person the ability that people have, no matter what their disability may be," says Boyce.
To date she has raised about $1,000 in pledges for the walk, but hopes to raise $5,000.
The Georgetown woman's normal life came to a sudden end at the age of nine while she was playing a game of hide and seek.
She was found behind a tree on her grandparent's farm, unable to walk, speechless and convulsing.
Boyce was airlifted to London's Victoria Hospital where it was determined she suffered a massive stroke as a result of Arterial Venous Malformation.
The young girl had lost the use of much of her body, her speech and some memories, and she was paralyzed on her right side.
Years of multiple therapies at Erinoak, strengthened by grit, determination and willpower, saw Boyce complete elementary and high school, and then college, even when parts of her body resisted.
Boyce says the walk is her way of recognizing Erinoak and the ability of disabled persons to accomplish anything they wish.
"One of the most important things I've learned (since the stroke) is to live each day to its fullest."
Boyce has been training for the walk, which would prove challenging for anyone, let alone someone who is partially paralyzed on her right side.
"By meeting the challenges of their diverse needs, Erinoak assists clients and their families to reach optimal levels of independence, health and well-being," says Erinoak president and CEO Linda Rothney. "Lauren serves as an inspiration with every step she takes."
Boyce, a recent graduate of Humber College's Hospitality and Tourism Business Operations program, has been training for the walk, logging six to seven km during her training sessions.
"I'm up for it, because it is possible," says Boyce.
Boyce will walk along Maple Ave. to Guelph St. (Hwy. 7), then head southbound on Winston Churchill Blvd. to The Collegeway and Erinoak Children's Treatment Centre at 2277 South Millway.
Anyone interested in donating to her walk can do so at www.strokeofpower.org or at www.erinoak.org.
Well-wishers are invited to see Boyce off at the Civic Centre, or welcome her to Erinoak. Anyone who would like to accompany her on her walk is asked to call her at 905-877-8837.
(Lisa Tallyn can be reached at ltallyn@independentfreepress.com)