HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2009-12-03, Page 7Talk to Teaghan Coultes about her
regular hospital visits and you’re not
likely to hear any whining or self-
pity.
What you are likely to hear is an
inspirational story of gratitude and
the Grade 5 East Wawanosh Public
School student’s dedication to
paying that forward.
The daughter of Mark and Lori of
RR3, Wingham, was born 10 years
ago with Turner Syndrome, a genetic
disorder that affects about one in
every 2,500 females. It occurs when
a piece of genetic information gets
“dropped” during division of the sex
cells - or during the process of
meiosis, resulting in the absence of
all or part of the second X
chromosome in some or all of the
cells of the body.
TS is not a disease, but a genetic
condition that can bring about a
number of health and social issues,
including short stature, infertility,
heart abnormalities, hearing
problems, kidney and urinary tract
differences, diabetes, eye problems,
broad chest, curvature of the spine
(scoliosis), brittle bones
(osteoporosis) and high blood
pressure.
The individual concerns for each
girl or woman with TS are
monitored and treated by the
appropriate specialist.
For Teaghan this means regular
trips to the hospital in London where
she is monitored for heart, growth
and ear issues. These factors sherecites with an insouciant mannerthat is humbling. But a bubbly child-like enthusiasmtakes over as she talks aboutsomething that happened last year,
when at the end of her appointment
she received a ‘Build a Bear’ named
Meghan. “I love my bear. I have the
best dreams since I got her.”
Teaghan was told only that
Meghan had been donated by a boy
so that it might be given to a child in
the hospital.
“I couldn’t know his name or his
age because of privacy issues,” said
Teaghan. “But I know he went to
Build a Bear with his sister for his
birthday and decided to give the bear
to someone.”
Build a Bear locations allow
people to purchase a bear to create a
unique stuffed animal, stitched,
fluffed and dressed as imagination
and finances allow.
Teaghan’s huge eyes sparkle as
she remembers what she felt when
she met her new friend and why.
“When I got my bear the emotions
and feelings I had were awesome.
That someone actually did that,
devoted their time to make someone
else feel better, made me ecstatic. It
was so nice to think that someone
would do this.”
Teaghan decided then and there
she would pay it forward, passing on
her benefactor’s generosity. “I
thought I’d carry it on and let others
feel the same way I did.”
The young girl saved her birthday
money and horse money. “We have
three horses we take to shows,” she
explains. “I got $40 from that. I was
pretty happy to get that cheque.”
Finally, Monday, Nov. 23 Teaghan
made yet another trip to London, this
time for something a lot more fun to
a child than a hospital visit. She
purchased nine bears, with the $150
she had saved, and with the help of
her eight-year-old brother did some
bear building.
Each bear comes with a certificate
and is named, most after people who
gave Teaghan money. “That made
naming them really easy andspecial.”Teaghan has learned that four ofher bears have already been givenhomes with young girls.Saying the feeling of giving back
was a good experience, Teaghan, a
charming blend of maturity and
ebullience, reminds that all have the
ability to make a difference.
“When I think what I can do, what
my family can do, what everybody
can do, it’s so amazing to me.”
THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009. PAGE 7.East Wawanosh girl pays it forward
Beary-nice thing to do
Ten-year-old Teaghan Coultes, a Grade 5 student at East
Wawanosh holds her friend Meghan, given to her during a
visit to the hospital last year. The gift inspired Coultes to pay
it forward and she recently ‘built’ nine bears, using her own
money, to give to other children in the hospital. (Bonnie Gropp
photo)
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