If you know me, you likely know my larger than life 13yr old son, Alexander James Morrison. Alexander was born with Cerebral Palsy, more specifically, Cerebellar Hypoplasia- a neurological condition in which the cerebellum is smaller than usual or not completely developed. When AJ was officially diagnosed, at 10 months via MRI, we were told he would likely never talk, walk or really be able to do anything independently. You can't imagine how heavy those words can be to new parents with their first child. I don't wish it on anyone. What I couldn't have possibly understood at the time, was just how wrong those doctors were and how powerful a child's resilience can be, when given the same opportunities as anyone else. My son has gone above and beyond what anyone ever expected of him, including me. He learned sign language until he was able to properly string words together at the age of 4. He began walking with a walker soon after that, then canes, he now skis, swims, rock climbs, performs with YPT Drama theatre, has thrown out the first pitch for the Blue Jays, been on the Rick Mercer Show, done radio and print ads for Pizza Nova, was on a CBS kids special with Olympic Legend Vicki Keith and is now an Ambassador of both Holland Bloorview and Variety Village, he even has his own Facebook Page! https://www.facebook.com/AlexanderMorrison11/ It is because of Alexander that my eyes were opened to a very different world, a world that introduced me so many inspiring children and their families. He taught me that even the idea of "impossible" or "can't " is no longer welcome in our thoughts or our vocabulary. There is always a way, it may not be the same as everyone else, but shouldn't we be striving to find new pathways anyway? Do we really all want to be the same? Not me and certainly not my kid. Thanks to places like Holland Bloorview and Variety Village, not only the children are given the opportunity to grow up in a world of opportunity and inclusion, but so are the parents. Incredible communities are established, boundaries are expanded or broken and people of all abilities are accomplishing things that no one ever dreamed possible. I can easily say we would not have been able to see past my son's diagnosis without places like this, places that truly believe and educate everyone about the power of diversity, inclusion and all abilities.
Thank you Holland Bloorview and to all the amazing staff who helped get us, and other families like us, through 3 of the toughest months we've ever experienced. Please click on the link below to see Alexander now, almost 5 months post surgery ( a 9-hour muscle lengthening and foot repositioning surgery) and to donate to Holland Bloorview, the place that helped him get here.