Saturday, March 20, 2010

The Merger of TEAD and SPCA

My daughter has been an active member of TEAD for seven years now. 18 months ago we received written notification of the amalgamation of TEAD and the SPCA. We have since attended volunteer appreciation events where both organizations recognized the contributions and hard work of its volunteers. There was never any mention that the amalgamation of the two organizations was not yet legalized. As a member, volunteer and mother of a rider at TEAD I had no idea that either a new or an old council of the SPCA could just hold a new vote and the entire amalgamation could be dissolved right before our eyes. I also hate how the entire battle of strong personalities on board councils hurt organizations with good missions over all. When the organizations first amalgamated my husband and I did question the compatibility of the two organizations, we were frankly quiet surprised to here that they had amalgamated but we had no idea that there was such controversy. We fear that this controversy will now hurt our organization TEAD who did an excellent job, providing written explanations and formal discussion about the merger to its members. I feel strongly that the new SPCA board needs to answer to how the two organizations who have functioned together for eighteen months can now be split apart with no thoughts to how to support TEAD out of this mess.

I will speak about the organization TEAD to explain its terrific programs and how children with disabilities receive riding instruction in a club that I know as outstanding. My nine year old daughter Cassandra chose riding as her sport and has grown to be very accomplished on a horse through excellent instructors in a well organized program. Learning equestrian riding, forging valued friendships, participating in demonstrations of therapeutic ridding and working in the barns caring for therapeutic horses has been a part of her entire life. Cassandra with cerebral palsy supported by TEAD showcased therapeutic riding at the Royal Winter Fair. Four young disabled riders participated in the Musical Ride dressed in a lion costume. They thrilled audiences in the Spirit of the Horse Arena riding to theme of lion king and TEAD instructors and directors arranged the entire event two years in a row. Cassandra has experienced dreams of a lifetime for a young equestrian rider. She has been sponsored to ride some of her lessons and we were not charged money when she participated and showcased her talent’s as lots of donations go directly to young riders. Cassie met the entire Olympic Jumping Team, was awarded ribbons and a gift of riding gloves from VIP equestrians such as Ian Millar and Jill Henselwood. The Royal Winter Fairs professional photographer Michelle Dunn personally delivered a life size poster of Cassie riding her therapeutic horse Champion and this poster hangs proudly in the Clubhouse at TEAD. Other events included participating in a days event at Foxcroft riding stables showcasing therapeutic riding. Cassandra spent the day with other horse enthusiasts riding and hanging out with dozens of able bodied young horse crazed girls who toured her around their stables and shared their love of horses and riding with our young girl. Cassie also competed in Ontras Prince Philip games and place second with her team of four disabled riders and continues to have dreams of competing in pare Olympic events. These events were significant to my daughter’s love of equestrian riding and were organized by the executive director of TEAD Hillary Web. I have not even begun to describe her weekly lessons include; high quality instruction, Cassandra has bonded with her lifelong friends Katelyn and Ashyln. Along with her best ridding buddies she loves a spectacular family with three disabled children Damian, Tina and Eva who meet Cassie each week with smiles, friendship and the love of learning to ride horses. Any time I have had financial difficulties paying for the expensive riding lessons that help rehabilitate my daughter; TEAD looks for sponsorship, helps me fill out forms for grants and special funding and waits for payments that I have made late. Cassie continues each week to ride thanks to the countless volunteers and financial donations TEAD receives. Cassie is quite an accomplished nine- year old equestrian rider.

The dogfight that has erupted between existing board members and the past board member at the SPCA is a terrible shame and controversy. I do not understand the business side of organizations but as a contributor financially to non-profit organizations it is important to tell a donor exactly where their money is being used. It was my understanding that the SPCA would use special project funds and donations and partner with TEAD who does a terrific job fundraising and is forth coming in how their money is used. The question of fit of the two organizations; and the philosophy of whether a charity offering equine therapy to children with disabilities and a charity that helps abused and abandoned animals should have been answered in full prior to the amalgamation. This dogfight has hurt the reputation of the SPCA and it is my desired to protect the organization TEAD as for six years it has been my daughters home away from home, club and summer day camp. All my daughter cares about is the organization stays strong, continues to provide the excellent level riding experience and that other children benefit in the way she has growing up involved in this wonderful organization. I pray the division of the SPCA and TEAD does not hurt TEAD and if it does shame on everyone of the board members of the SPCA new and old alike. It is time to get your act together.

Kathy Fruck

Member, volunteer and mother of a young rider at TEAD

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Another amazing person with cerebral palsy- Miss Iowa 2008


http://www.patriciaebauer.com/2008/08/22/a-beauty-queen-3003/

Reigning Miss Iowa USA Abbey Curran is reportedly the first Miss USA contestant and state winner with cerebral palsy. Curran wore leg braces until she was ten and now walks with a limp that occasionally means she needs to lean on a designated escort during pageants. Growing up on a hog farm in Illinois, Curran says she admired the beauty queens at the county fair and decided to pursue the title herself when a teacher told her she would never be able to compete.
Abbey says, “I hope America doesn’t see a girl who walks differently. I hope they see someone who can compete like anyone else.”

In 2004, Curran founded the nonprofit “Miss You Can Do It,” a beauty pageant for girls and young women with developmental disabilities. She also speaks nationally as a motivational speaker. Curran is a sophomore public-relations major at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa and plans to become a commercial airline pilot.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

A speech written by my oldest daughter Julia Fruck Age 11 years



Cerebral Palsy

They are committed to hard work; continuous training to improve their skills; and determination each and every day to better their best. Maybe you think I am talking about an individual on the Canadian Olympic Team but actually I am talking about disabled people with cerebral palsy. People with cerebral palsy don’t train for a competition that comes around every four years their competition starts when they wake up in the morning. Every day struggles include holding their tooth brush to brush their teeth. Moving across the room may include a wheelchair, walker or leg braces. Holding a pencil to write their school notes takes concentration because of brain injury or muscle weakness. As an eleven year old girl I have learned so much about cerebral palsy because my little sister Cassie has cerebral palsy. Through her journey of rehabilitation I have made a lot of friends that have disabilities and today I am going to share with you how people with disabilities overcome struggles in their everyday life. I feel each one is deserving of an Olympic Gold Medal.

Cerebral refers to the brains two half’s or hemispheres. Palsy describes any disorder that impairs control of body movement. Cerebral Palsy can range from mild to severe. The symptoms of Cerebral Palsy include: difficulty with walking and balance, difficulty with fine motor skills such as writing or cutting with scissors. Some people have uncontrolled movements or difficulty with speech.

Cerebral palsy is caused from a brain injury. Often the condition happens at birth from the baby having: bleeding in the brain or a difficult delivery where the baby did not get enough oxygen while being born. Cerebral Palsy can not be cured. Symptoms of cerebral palsy can be managed through rehabilitation and therapy. The good news is the brain is able to compensate even if it has extensive damage affects it. Children can find a way to adapt to changes in the way their brain works. They often find ways to do the things they love to do. They just do them in different ways.

My sister has participated in Occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, orthopedic surgery, casting, Botox and braces for her spastic feet. Cassie attended Ability camp and participated in therapy with 12 other children with cerebral palsy. I was able to visit this camp and met remarkable children who were working on goals to improve their functioning. I witnessed Samuel who was nine improve his walking skills. I heard he has progressed from walker, to two canes to walking with no aides at present. Eva a sweet red headed eight year old with worked on her sitting balance and improved her ability to hold herself up when trying to stand. 12 year old Jessie attended camp numerous times. He is able to ride his bike with no training wheels, stand on risers to sing in the school choir and does competitive Para Olympic swimming to keep him-self strong and improve his muscles.

A great program in our area for children with cerebral palsy is TEAD, therapeutic horse back riding for Disabled. Our family has found the therapeutic benefits of riding a horse have improved Cassie’s symptoms of cerebral palsy. Horse back riding requires balance, physical strength and helps muscle leg weakness. I also noticed the children gain self confidence and enjoy the warm therapeutic bond with the horse.

After meeting these kids you see they have been thought a lot but they are still just like you and me just with a little bit of trouble with things we do everyday.

A speach written by my oldest daughter Julia Fruck Age 11 years


Cerebral Palsy

They are committed to hard work; continuous training to improve their skills; and determination each and every day to better their best. Maybe you think I am talking about an individual on the Canadian Olympic Team but actually I am talking about disabled people with cerebral palsy. People with cerebral palsy don’t train for a competition that comes around every four years their competition starts when they wake up in the morning. Every day struggles include holding their tooth brush to brush their teeth. Moving across the room may include a wheelchair, walker or leg braces. Holding a pencil to write their school notes takes concentration because of brain injury or muscle weakness. As an eleven year old girl I have learned so much about cerebral palsy because my little sister Cassie has cerebral palsy. Through her journey of rehabilitation I have made a lot of friends that have disabilities and today I am going to share with you how people with disabilities overcome struggles in their everyday life. I feel each one is deserving of an Olympic Gold Medal.

Cerebral refers to the brains two half’s or hemispheres. Palsy describes any disorder that impairs control of body movement. Cerebral Palsy can range from mild to severe. The symptoms of Cerebral Palsy include: difficulty with walking and balance, difficulty with fine motor skills such as writing or cutting with scissors. Some people have uncontrolled movements or difficulty with speech.

Cerebral palsy is caused from a brain injury. Often the condition happens at birth from the baby having: bleeding in the brain or a difficult delivery where the baby did not get enough oxygen while being born. Cerebral Palsy can not be cured. Symptoms of cerebral palsy can be managed through rehabilitation and therapy. The good news is the brain is able to compensate even if it has extensive damage affects it. Children can find a way to adapt to changes in the way their brain works. They often find ways to do the things they love to do. They just do them in different ways.

My sister has participated in Occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, orthopedic surgery, casting, Botox and braces for her spastic feet. Cassie attended Ability camp and participated in therapy with 12 other children with cerebral palsy. I was able to visit this camp and met remarkable children who were working on goals to improve their functioning. I witnessed Samuel who was nine improve his walking skills. I heard he has progressed from walker, to two canes to walking with no aides at present. Eva a sweet red headed eight year old with worked on her sitting balance and improved her ability to hold herself up when trying to stand. 12 year old Jessie attended camp numerous times. He is able to ride his bike with no training wheels, stand on risers to sing in the school choir and does competitive Para Olympic swimming to keep him-self strong and improve his muscles.

A great program in our area for children with cerebral palsy is TEAD, therapeutic horse back riding for Disabled. Our family has found the therapeutic benefits of riding a horse have improved Cassie’s symptoms of cerebral palsy. Horse back riding requires balance, physical strength and helps muscle leg weakness. I also noticed the children gain self confidence and enjoy the warm therapeutic bond with the horse.

After meeting these kids you see they have been thought a lot but they are still just like you and me just with a little bit of trouble with things we do everyday.