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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday September 24, 2008 - 17 Inachaironwheels soars on wish trip Continued from page 16 no time to explore Rodeo Drive, bemoaned Michael's mom. "You can't go shopping, it's my wish trip," said Michael. It all made for an out-of-this-world memory for not only Michael, but the entire family, and offered a departure from the reality the Robinsons live daily. Over time, persons with neuromuscular disorders may lose the ability to walk, speak, even breathe. Michael's parents said they wanted Michael to enjoy the trip now that he's old enough to appreciate it and able to participate. Michael was characteristically diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when he was about five years old. His mom made inquiries when he began pulling himself up the stairs. The Oakville youth's disability is progressing slowly and he takes steroids to inhibit its progress, though the treatment has kept his height from blossoming. "I like the feeling of the roller coasters going over the hills, it feels freeing," said Michael, who despite being in a wheelchair, also feels more secure in that chair. The California trip came complete with a personalized agenda for the family and everything they could possibly imagine, being taken care of, for them, even BEAVER TRAILS TO CALIFORNIA: Michael Robinson (seated) with his dad Steve, mom Susan and sister Amanda took The Oakville Beaver with them to California as part of Michael's trip granted by the Children's Wish Foundation. bypassing waiting in lineups. Michael's dad Steve said that was almost a scary feeling. Now that Michael is back home and back to school, he has created his own X2 on his computer and those who wish to visit can do so on YouTube. Michael's user name is "inachaironwheels." Muscular dystrophies are genetic disorders. Forms of muscular dystrophy can be passed on from generation to generation, or occur spontaneously as the result of a mutation of a particular gene. Contrary to popular belief, muscular dystrophy is not exclusively a childhood disorder -- anyone can be affected. While some types are first evident in infancy or early childhood, other types may not appear until later in life. There is currently no cure. The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada helps grant wishes for children coping with high-risk, life threatening illnesses. Fulfilling a child's wish provides an escape from the reality of their lives and offers time for togetherness and much needed laughter, not only providing hope and strength to the child, but pro- viding memories that will last a lifetime for the family. The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada has two decades and 12,000 wishes behind it. "The Children's Wish Foundation of Toronto took great care of everything for us -- beyond what we needed or expected. Not having to arrange anything was a real treat. Being picked up from home, having a van waiting for us and getting VIP treatment at all the parks was amazing. We had VIP passes at every park enabling us to go to the front of the line and we rode every ride Michael wanted to try -- the parks were very busy," said Susan. "We found people in California were very aware of the Wish Foundation. Everyone at all the parks were absolutely fantastic, they seem to really respect what the Wish Foundation does for kids," said Susan. Meet Marina & Marcella! an't wait latest Zumba atin music e exercise nally he South mba. both Zumba the Y! SHAAREI-BETH EL CONGREGATION HAS SERVED THE JEWISH COMMUNITY OF HALTON FOR OVER FIFTY YEARS. We'd love to welcome you too. Shaarei-Beth El is a Reform congregation with a strong sense of tradition. Our members have arrived in our community along many different paths but, together, we all share the common need for spirituality and a sustained belief in the importance of a vibrant Jewish community. Our philosophy allows for everyone to feel comfortable and at home in our community. Perhaps, you are new to the community or simply open to a welcoming and warm experience. We have lots of people willing to share what Shaarei-Beth El can offer you. Please feel free to speak with Rabbi Stephen Wise (rabbi.wise@sbe.ca), Director of Education Ran Salamon, Cantorial Soloist Aviva Chernick, or join us for one of our weekly Shabbat services. THIS YEAR'S HIGH HOLY DAY SERVICES WILL BE HELD (and tickets are available for): Rosh Hashanah Erev Rosh Hashanan Rosh Hashanah, Day 1 Junior Congregation Rosh Hashanah, Day 2 Yom Kippur Kol Nidre Yom Kippur Service Junior Congregation Afternoon/Yizkor r Mon., Sept. 29th Tues., Sept. 30th Wed., Oct. 1st Wed., Oct. 8th Thurs., Oct. 9th 8:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 7:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. thening o & core llness 186 MORRISON ROAD, OAKVILLE, ON L6J 4J4 TEL: (905) 849-6000 · www.sbe.ca Bachelor of Education in Adult Education Degree and Certificate Programs INFORMATION SESSION Wednesday, October 1st 12-1 p.m. in room A106 OR 5-6 p.m. in room A106 Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning Trafalgar Campus, 1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville The program is designed for those working or aspiring to work in adult learning environments including health care, human resources, business, social services, industry or formal academic settings. grams rograms C d d g Brock University offers BEd in Adult Education degree and certificate programs in Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning. Study parttime to enhance your understanding and application of adult education principles and practices. Courses are offered on Saturdays at Sheridan or online. Applications are now being accepted for the Winter 2009 session. For application information for the BEd in Adult Education, visit our website at http://adult.ed.brocku.ca or call 905-688-5550, ext. 5547, or e-mail: adulted@brocku.ca ST. C AT H A R I N E S | O N TA R I O | C A N A DA | W W W. B R O C KU. C A 410 Rebecca Street Oakville, ON L6K 1K7 Telephone: 905-845-3417 Facsimile: 905-842-6792 E-mail: customerservice@oakville.ymca.ca