So, this really reminds me of when I was in school and when, it was summer holidays, spring break and other days that we didn’t have to go to school. Covid-19 hasn’t been really bad, or anything easy, it’s the new normal. I have been learning how to keep myself busy and be more patient. I have been at home since March. I think it was good at the start because I wasn’t feeling the greatest, but I’m feeling better than I was. Maybe it was hard at first to know what to do all day at home. The 1st Friday in March I went to see my friend Theresa and her mom Victoria to celebrate Christmas so I had a bunch of colouring books and word searches. So I learned how to keep myself busy in the afternoons with the colouring books, word search books instead of going to Centra Cam. My mom brought my walker from Centra Cam so, I could use it at home.

I got my calendar full of activities again and since the middle of June I have started doing some activities with the Cerebral Palsy Association in Edmonton. Every Monday afternoon we do yoga class, Tuesday afternoons we have dance class and one Friday afternoon we had karaoke. I’m really enjoying these classes it’s on the app called Zoom.

For Canada day I went to a Canada day convoy concert at the recreation centre with my roommates Craig and Theresa. We got some Goodie bags. It had some pancake mix and some temporary tattoos, Canada flags and an activity book. Becca left the van door open and we were able to listen to the music. Then, I got back from the concert and I coloured some butterfly pictures in my colouring books. In the evening of Canada Day we had a game of Yahtzee with Melissa and Theresa. Craig put music from YouTube on the T.V.

We had My mom’s birthday July 3, I decided to get a pot and some flowers for her birthday. I painted the flower pot a rainbow design and wrote a nice note on the pot. On her actual birthday we sat on my deck and we had smoothies and ice coffee from McDonald’s. During this time of COVID I cannot go home so, when it was time for Singing “Happy Birthday” I Face Timed with the family.

My brother Luke’s birthday was the weekend after mom’s birthday. So, I decided to do a painting for his birthday. I knew that I wasn’t able to be there to celebrate but I didn’t want him to think I forgot about his birthday so I made him a painting of Star Wars Luke Skywalker on an canvas. He loved it. We had to Face Time when it was time for cake. I think when it’s back to normal and we are together we will do a big birthday party with everyone’s birthday. I felt I was a part of their special day.

My friend Teresa is in the hospital with her hip surgery so I made her a homemade card and my mom brought her flowers.

Last weekend, I was able to try out a new wheelchair that I could lean back, my mom has to do paperwork for it today. Do you remember when I was really uncomfortable in my wheelchair and no one could figure it out.?It turns out that I was sitting too long in my wheelchair and I should lay down for a little while during the day. I’m getting a new wheelchair that leans back.

Yes, I’m missing going to Centra Cam this time of year we would have been going on tours. We usually get to go the Wetaskiwin pool, Camp LG Barnes, and the outdoor pool in Forestburg. In the summer months we would have a fun day in the park and outside at Centra Cam. We would be doing drum circle in the gazebo. For fun days we would go to play baseball games and some outdoor activities with everyone. Then the summer was over we would throw out a big party to celebrate.

For my birthday I got a a new blanket for my bedroom (how do you like it)?

The perfect sunshine summer day is when you can sit outside and colour in your colouring books with YouTube playing in the background. It’s been about five years now since we moved here. Its a amazing journey and I’m enjoying every minute, every hour and every second. My favourite thing to do on the weekend would be to sit outside on the deck and colour while hanging out with my roommates and friends.

Becca, Kat and I went to the valley for a walk, one Sunday afternoon, it was pretty good for my power chair but one part was a quiet rough, but overall it was a good walk on a Sunday afternoon with great friends. Now that it’s COVID we have to wear masks and walk 6 feet apart.

Today we had a good visit with grandpa Raymond and Shandy from Ontario. My Grandpa Raymond builds cupboards for people houses and Shandy works at a plant that makes car parts. Every summer they make a road trip out to Alberta. This year there was a family reunion in Lloydminster. With COVID-19 we weren’t able to make the trip . We had a great two hour visit on my deck.

The final project of the weekend was dying my hair red. What’s do you guys think?!

We also spent time resting on the deck in the sunshine

Summer 2020 is a different experience that I never really expected before in my life.

My roommate Theresa has Down syndrome and I wanted to learn more about her life. I researched Down Syndrome on the the internet and I interviewed Theresa. 

Here is the interview I hope you enjoy it!

Before I started school presentations Theresa used to do them on Abuse Awareness! How cool is that! We had the same job!

Kelsey: What was your favorite part about your presentations?

Theresa: Talking about my childhood with my parents.

Kelsey: What was your childhood like?

Theresa: I had a big farm with my Mom and Dad, my brother Melvin, and my sister Gloria. We had tons of animals, horses, cows, barn cats, pigs and chickens. We also had a big garden where we grew carrots, potatoes, peas, and squash. My brother and Dad would be out in the field harvesting/working and later around supper, my Mom, sister and I would make supper and bring it out supper to them with a treat.

Kelsey: What was your experience in school with Down syndrome?

Theresa: In school kids would tease me, which made me very sad. I didn’t have any friends except my sister Gloria and my brother Melvin.

Kelsey: What was the hardest thing about Down syndrome when you were young?

Theresa: My mom made my clothes, and my parents drove us to school.

Kelsey: What’s your favorite thing about having Down syndrome?

Theresa: Living with the roommates I have now, I wouldn’t know them if I didn’t have Down syndrome. Also having the bedroom I’ve always wanted.

Kelsey: What’s your favorite memory of your Mom and Dad?

Theresa: With my dad, we would go around to the animals and I would pet the cows, calves, horses/ baby horses. With my Mom we would bake and cook in the kitchen. Gloria and I would sneak treats. We also used to help in the garden, pulling weeds and picking vegetables.

Kelsey: Do you think you have enough support?

Theresa: I do think I have enough support in life, between staff and family.

Kelsey: Who is your favorite movie/music star?

Theresa: Michael Jackson, the best singer, and when he turns into the werewolf that’s the best!

Here is some information I found on the internet about Down syndrome you should read it and educate yourself!

You have probably seen people who have Down syndrome. They have certain physical features, such as a flatter face and upward slanting eyes. They may have medical problems, too, such as heart defects. Kids with Down syndrome usually have trouble learning and are slower to learn how to talk and take care of themselves. But despite their challenges, kids with Down syndrome can go to regular schools, make friends, enjoy life, and get jobs when they’re older. Getting special help early — often when they are just babies and toddlers — can be the key to healthier, happier, more independent lives.

Chromosomes Are the Cause To understand why Down syndrome happens, you need to understand a little about chromosomes. What are chromosomes? They’re thread-like structures within each cell and are made up of genes. Genes provide the information that determines everything about people, from hair color to whether they are girls or boys. Most people have 23 pairs of chromosomes, for a total of 46. But a baby with Down syndrome has an extra chromosome (47 instead of 46) or one chromosome has an extra part. This extra genetic material causes problems with the way their bodies develop.

Health Problems Are Common About half of babies with Down syndrome are born with heart defects, which means their hearts developed differently and don’t work as they should. Usually, these problems can be corrected by surgery. Some babies may have intestinal problems that also require surgery to fix. Kids with Down syndrome are more likely to get infections that affect their lungs and breathing. When they do get infections, they often last longer. They may have eye or ear problems or digestion problems like constipation. Some may develop leukemia, a type of cancer. Each person with Down syndrome is different and may have one, several, or all of these problems.

Kids with Down syndrome tend to grow and develop more slowly than other children do. They may start walking or talking later than other babies. Special help, such as physical therapy and speech therapy, can give kids a boost with their walking and talking skills.

Do a Lot of People Have Down Syndrome? Down syndrome is something a person is born with it. No one gets Down syndrome later in life. It’s one of the most common genetic birth defects (a birth defect is a problem that happens while a baby is still growing inside their mother). Now you know that Down syndrome is caused by a problem with a chromosome. You might already know that we get our chromosomes from our mother and father. Remember the 23 pairs of chromosomes — half are from your mom and half are from your dad. But doctors aren’t sure why this chromosome problem happens to some babies. It’s nothing the mom or dad did before the child was born. Anyone can have a baby with Down syndrome. But the older the mother, the greater the risk. Times Have Changed At one time, most kids with Down syndrome did not live past childhood. Many would often become sick from infections. Others would die from their heart problems or other problems they had at birth.

Today, most of these health problems can be treated and most kids who have it will grow into adulthood. Medicines can help with infections and surgery can correct heart, intestinal, and other problems. If the person gets leukemia, medical treatments can be very successful. Scientists continue to do research in the hope of finding ways to prevent Down syndrome or at least improve the health and lives of people who have it.

What’s Life Like for Kids With Down Syndrome? Many kids with Down syndrome go to regular schools and may attend regular classes. Some need special classes to help them in areas where they have more trouble learning. Their parents work with teachers and others to come up with a plan for the best way for each child to learn. Kids with Down syndrome like their playtime, too. They play sports and participate in activities, such as music lessons or dance classes. Kids with Down syndrome may look different, but they want to be treated the same way all kids want to be treated — with respect, fairness, and friendship. Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD

You should check out World Down Syndrome Day.. it is always March 21st!

I hope you learned something about Down syndrome… I sure did!

For my birthday I woke up to balloons in the living room from my Staff. After breakfast my Mom put a sign on the window that said Happy Birthday Kelsey. In the afternoon I visited with Joel and Ashley. My parents planned a drive by parade to celebrate my birthday. I sat outside under an big umbrella because it was raining and family and friends drove by and honked for me. The Camrose Fire Department came with the fire truck and honked the horn and Lori Larsen from the The Camrose Booster also came and my birthday made it into the newspaper! My grandpa sent flowers from Ontario for my birthday. After the parade I visited with my parents on the deck. It was the most amazing birthday ever. I’ll never forget my 25th birthday!

Miss C sent me flowers, chocolate and a birthday cake for my birthday….

For my birthday I got hair dye from Craig and Theresa and dyed my hair red. What do you guys think?

Saturday Craig and I played soccer in the yard with our staff. It was super fun and hot!

Sunshine and sunglasses on my deck outside hanging out Saturday afternoon and evening.

On Father’s Day we had Dairy Queen ice cream on the deck at my house and then we went walking around the lake. I got my Dad a greatest father mug and a t- shirt with guitars. We had a great afternoon together.

Today Nicki did my fingernails with seashells and gel red polish. I think they look great!

I hope you guys will enjoy reading this blog post and see how it’s a joy to be outside in the sunshine.

I bought a bath bomb kit to make my Mom a Mother’s Day gift. It was a fun gift to make.

Mother’s Day was really weird this year.  Mary Ann and I drove to my parent’s. Everyone was there Joel, Ashley, Luke, Mom & Dad. They stood the on deck and we visited, I stayed in the van. We social distanced for about an hour. It was really nice to see everyone. I really miss them. I hope this will go away really soon.

My roommates and staff went for a walk around Mirror Lake. It was really nice, the weather was great. I even had my picture taken sitting on the bench!

I have been using my mat to stretch out my body and work out. It seems to be helping an I like to do it.

I went Dr. Parson’s and he fixed me up. My back was really out and I am really happy I went to see him. Thank you Dr. Parson’s!

I colored a butterfly picture one afternoon just one of the things I do to pass the time during this corona virus.

I put away my own laundry….check it out!

Nicky my staff did gel nails on my fingers. They look like the yahtzee game and yahtzee is my FAVORITE game. They look just like I went to the salon. Nicky did a great job!

Nicky also did my hair and I think it looks great, with my butterfly clip.

I took my first selfie what do you think?!

I want to share my faith story. I was born as a Christian child. We went to Sunday school and Sunday church service every Sunday. I went to Sunday school and when I was in high school I went to confirmation and then after my second year I gave my heart to the Lord. My friend Melanie was my aide when I was in confirmation. This is a picture of us. I had to write my favorite bible verse. Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” This is still my favorite verse!

Every second I got I would go up and pray for God to heal me so I could walk one day. Into my second or my third year of going to Centra Cam the Lord told me that I should work on posters about different disability’s at Centra Cam. Kristy my staff at Centa Cam was in tears and very happy to be able to help me. This started a job for me at Centra Cam creating a learning board for staff and other individuals to learn about the topics I choose. I share those on here every once in awhile.

This Easter was really weird and difficult. Centra Cam sent some Easter egg art kits to my house and we decorated Easter eggs. This is my staff Alex and Emma helping me with the Easter egg decorating. Thank you Centra Cam so much for thinking of us!

Centra Cam also sent some Easter crafts to do. We made a yellow foam Easter egg and bunny. Alex and I taped some eyes, stickers and some pipe cleaners to decorate the egg and the bunny!

Easter turned out really good even though I wasn’t with my family. But I do miss them so much!

When you have a new Staff member that was a hair stylist when she lived in the Dominican Republic, you get a lot of more different hair styles during the week. Nicky does a great job on my hair and I enjoy the new styles she gives me!

One afternoon we did our own nail salon. I used my gel nail lamp and nail polish that my Mom got me for Christmas in high school. We did a pretty good job!

My Mom got a call from a Glenrose Hospital Doctor who is a specialist in CP and he said that I’m sitting too much in my wheelchair. He suggested said that I could get out of the chair and lay down for a few hours so I get a rest. If this doesn’t work I may need Botox shots in my back like I did in my legs when I was in kindergarten (I don’t really remember). We are doing this for a month and if nothing changes I may need to get the Botox. So far it feels really good, I am noticing a difference.

I use my new iPad and watch YouTube videos when I’m resting in my bed mostly Brett Young!!

I’m supposed to be getting a new power chair with the back that leans back. I am excited about that but it might take a long time to get!

We went through my spring and summer clothing and putting away my fall and winter clothes. This made me feel like Spring is here to stay!

Alex and I went on a hour walk around the neighbourhood. It is so nice to go and be able to walk without my chair getting stuck. I saw one of my old teachers Mr. Ofrim riding his bike and we had a social distance chat. It does suck when the sidewalk is bumpy but nice to be outside.

We Face-timed the other residences and played bingo with Roseclub. It was really fun. I got a Bingo and won a sunflower that we planted. I can’t wait to watch it grow.

My mom brought my walker from Centra Cam so I can use it here at home. I race my roommate Theresa down our hallway. My staff put YouTube on in the background and once time they had a picture of Brett young and I ran to him. In really enjoy my time in the walker.

This is one of my Special Education Blog’s. I wanted to know more about Spina Bifida as I have 2 friends that have it. At Centra Cam I put together a poster to share the things I learned with everyone there. I thought I could take that information and do a blog as well. So here you go!

What is Spina Bifida?

Spina Bifida is a birth defect that  occurs when the spine and spinal cord don’t form properly.  This can cause an opening in the spine and back. There are different levels that this could affect a person in their life. Spina Bifida happens when the baby is in the mommy’s stomach. This happens within the first four weeks of pregnancy. About 120 children are born with spina bifida every year in Canada.

You can’t catch it from someone else.

Problems that occur with Spina Bifida:

• Fluid builds up around the brain and then requires a shunt to drain the extra fluid
• Paralysis, depending on the location of the opening (the higher on the spine, the more severe the paralysis.)
• Bowel and bladder control problems
• Poor hand-eye coordination which can make things like handwriting hard to do
• Learning problems or difficulty remembering things.

1. People with Spina Bifida may use splints, casts, leg braces, canes, crutches, walkers or wheelchairs .
2. They might have a lot of medical appointments or surgeries .
3. They might need to use the bathroom a lot.
4. They might have allergies.

Parents may be able to find out if their baby has Spina Bifida while the baby is still in the womb using a blood test or an ultrasound. Sometimes parents don’t know until the baby is born.

Treatment for Spina Bifida depends on the person and how severe it is. Some treatments might be visiting a brain doctor. They might need surgery, physio therapy or medicine.

It is important for women to go and see their doctor when they find out they are pregnant to learn how to keep their baby as healthy as possible. Folic Acid is good for preventing Spina Bifida. Women trying to conceive a baby should be taking prenatal vitamins and they have the right amount of Folic Acid in them.

Some famous people you might know were born with Spina Bifida.

John Cougar Mellencamp – He is a famous musician who sings popular songs like Jack and Diane, Small Town and Hurts So Good. John was born with Spina Bifida and is now the spokesman for Winnipeg chapter of The Spina Bifida Association of Canada.

Hank Williams: Was one of the most famous country music artists of all time. He was born with Spina Bifida which caused him pain especially when he was travelling and very excited to be on tour. His most famous song was, “Hey Good Looking.”

Jean Driscoll is a champion wheelchair racer who won several medals on team USA and Wheelchair section of the Boston Marathon. Jean never gave up. She wanted to be like her friends and didn’t let Spina Bifida hold her back.

I hoped this blog helped you understand more about Spina Bifida as it changed my outlook on life. Reading these stories about famous people living with Spina Bifida was encouraging. Jean Driscoll made me think of myself because I want to be just like everyone else and I don’t want my cerebral palsy to hold me back!

I think my next special blog will be on Cerebral Palsy. Do you have any topics you would like me to research and post on my blog?

For My Dad’s birthday supper my mom made noodles, potatoes, lemon chicken with chocolate cherry black forest cake . We bought him a Bluetooth speaker and he liked it. After supper we went to The Alice Hotel to celebrate but my power wheelchair couldn’t get in so we had to go back home and get my unpowered chair! Because I had my normal chair Joel and I got to dance. It was a lot of fun.

December 19th was the Centra Cam Christmas Party. In the morning we played bingo and sang Christmas songs!!!!! A group of people did a skit of the The Grinch Who Stole Christmas it was really good. Everyone does a Christmas exchange with each other and I got a ring holder, a Tim Hortons and Superstore gift certificates! That was pretty cool!

Friday December 20th RoseClub drove around Camrose and looked at Christmas Lights. I love looking at all of the Christmas Lights.

Saturday, December 21st our staff Mary Ann dressed up as Santa Clause and then we opened Nancy’s Christmas presents she sent us!!! She made homemade pickles for Theresa, homemade sauce for Craig, a toy for Janelle, spices for Kat and I got some bath bombs. It was pretty nice of her to think of us and send us gifts all the way from New Brunswick. We miss her.

On December 24th we had a house party for Christmas. All of our parents and staff who could be there, came!!! We opened gifts from each other. My mom and I went to the airport mall with our friends and there was a guy who writes on Christmas ornaments so, I got all of my roommates those for Christmas! Kat got me some bath bombs,  Theresa got me a dot to dot coloring book, Craig got me some butterflies stickers for my bedroom and Janelle got me essential oils for my diffuser!!!! I think this was the first time I met Kat’s mom! It was a really fun morning with my house.

Afterwards we went to my parents and Mom and I made cherry cookies, in the evening Mom, Dad, Luke and I watched the real Grinch Who Stole Christmas as a family! On Christmas Day the 4 of us opened Christmas presents. I got Brett Young tickets, and mask that my mom and I made and a bunch of other stuff! We then decorated gingerbread houses! When I decorate the house I like to tell my mom what I want for my house and she does it for me!

We watched Christmas Chronicles as a family. It was really good. I really liked the girl.

On Christmas Day evening Mom, Dad, Luke and I  went to our friends house which has a ramp on it – so my power chair could get in. Which was great….. but then it turned out to be a disaster! They had dog and me not thinking I pet the dog and got hives on my face! Because I am very allergic!

On Boxing Day Mom, Dad and I went to Lloydminster!! My brother Joel and Ashley met us there as they were in Moose Jaw with Ashley`s family! We played Charoodles together!

On the 29th Sunday afternoon Joel and Ashley and I went to the mall and I got to use my gift certificate for my nails!! We opened more Christmas presents and we played the wrapping ball game with everyone! We also took family pictures!

My parents got a pre-sale code from Ashley to buy Brett young tickets the day before they were on sale! We got tickets in the third row!!!! I am really excited I have never been on the floor before!

On News Years evening Theresa, Kathleen and I watched the New’s Years movie on Netflix.

It’s was a very busy Christmas with everything and it was a really special season!!!!

Sunday afternoon I decorated my bedroom door with the butterflies from Craig with my staff Kathleen!!! My mom got me some new books and we also went shopping for new clothes.

We are going to have lots of school presentations again this year that start next week!!!! I hope the year 2020 will be a awesome with good health, amazing experiences and good people in your life!!!