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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) High Traction Tread SNOW GROOVE M.G.M. TOWNSEND TIRE WE’LL KEEP YOU ROLLING 40356 LONDESBORO RD., LONDESBOROUGH 519-523-4742 1-877-619-7877 EMAIL: ttyr@tcc.on.ca Weather-Master S/T 2 Give the Gift of Travel this Christmas TICO# 50013932 See us on Facebook Disney • Caribbean • Las Vegas Call today for the latest deals Cindy Jarvis, Travel Agent 519-357-8611 • 1-888-667-3545 Email: ship2shore@wightman.ca Our Trees Have Arrived! Brussels Agri Services Ltd. 519-887-9391 Toll Free: 877-887-9391 www.brusselsagri.com Come in early and pick out your tree. Western tack, clothing & gifts Balsam and Fraser Fir Trees Cash & Carry By Bonnie Gropp The Citizen