Archive for category: The 12 Days of Inspiration

On the 12th Day of Inspiration an OT gave to me…The Ice Bucket Challenge

This summer it seemed like the entire world, from the Average Joe to celebrities and politicians, were dumping freezing cold buckets of ice over their heads to raise awareness for ALS. And the challenge did just that. Raising $115 million in the US alone, and educating millions of people in the process, ALS is now more understood across the globe and researchers can use the funds to hopefully find a cure. The following is a deeply moving reminder of WHY this challenge was important.

On the 11th day of inspiration my OT gave to me… A Soul Surfer taking on the Amazing Race.

Bethany Hamilton, best known as the inspiration for the movie Soul Surfer, who lost her arm from a shark bite at age 13 has overcome many challenges in her life. She and her husband Adam took on the challenge of a lifetime and had a fantastic and inspiring performance the 25th season of the Amazing Race.

On the 10th Day of Inspiration an OT gave to me…a woman proving to the world that “bald is beautiful”.

Sharon Blynn fought her battle with ovarian cancer at the young age of 28. Her story is one of survival and one that has inspired the world to know that “bald is beautiful.”

On the 9th Day of Inspiration an OT gave to me…a dolphin who has changed the world of amputation and prosthetics.

Thanks to the hard work of Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the magic of Hollywood “Winter”, this dolphin has become a well-known symbol of hope across the world. Winter wears a prosthetic tail due to an amputation from injuries sustained from getting tangled in a crab trap. Each year thousands of people, young and old, who have experienced injury, illness and disability visit her to seek inspiration and assistance with their healing process.

On the 8th Day of Inspiration an OT gave to me…the gift of music.

Nicholas McCarthy is an amazing young pianist who has overcome adversity to excel at his art. At age 23 Nicholas, born without his right hand, has become an inspirational musician.

On the 7th Day of Inspiration an OT gave to me…the story of an amazing young athlete excelling in 3 different sports, all with the use of only one arm.

Riley Quinn was born without a left forearm and hand, and has used this to fuel his desire to accomplish great things. Riley is a straight A student, plays all star baseball, football and basketball. See his amazing story here.

On the 6th Day of Inspiration an OT gave to me…the story of a 19 year old girl who has used her love for basketball to inspire the world to fight for a cure for the cancer she has.

Lauren Hill developed a love for the game of basketball at a young age and developed her skills throughout highschool.  Now in College, Lauren is working to be a normal student and a part of her team, all the while dying from an inoperable form of brain cancer. The foundation Layup 4 Lauren was created as a tribute and has raised awareness and funds for cancer research.

On the 5th Day of Inspiration an OT gave to me…a team of Canadian soldiers who are overcoming injuries to prove that anything is possible.

Through True Patriot Love, a Canadian organization helping physical and mentally injured soldiers, a group of 12 injured soldiers, 2 Olympians and others set off on a trek to the Magnetic North Pole. They completed their 2 week venture and proved to the world that anything is possible.

On the 4th Day of Inspiration an OT gave to me…a man who even after dying had the last laugh.

Aaron Purmont, a young father who recently died of brain cancer, used his Obituary to leave a legacy. In this, he reveals that he was Spiderman – truly showing his true character. Although Aaron lost his battle, he left behind an amazing legacy about living and loving life to the fullest.

On the 3rd Day of Inspiration an OT gave to me…Canada’s champion for mental health awareness – Clara Hughes.

In 2014 Clara Hughes, Canadian Olympian and spokesperson for Bell Let’s Talk mental health initiative took part in a 110 day bike ride across Canada. At each stop Clara took time to share her inspiring story of overcoming mental health struggles and worked to break down the stigma that continues to exist around mental illness. Clara is an inspiration to all!