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When requested what lies behind his optimism, his advocacy for the disabled, his struggle for independence and his perception that he can obtain something, Taylor Eveleigh’s reply is succinct: “It is in my coronary heart.”
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Born with cerebral palsy (a neurological dysfunction that primarily impacts physique, muscle and mouth features) and a kidney transplant recipient simply 4 years in the past, the 38-year-old has gained quite a few awards for his pursuit of inclusion and accessibility, and his willpower to to indicate what these residing with disabilities can obtain.
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Eveleigh has summited (with the assistance of 20 volunteers), cross-country and downhill skied, and performed with Calgary’s Energy Wheelchair Hockey League for 20 years, first as a defenseman, now as a goaltender.
He took kinesiology, math and the humanities on the College of Calgary in a program for college kids with particular wants, and has in depth volunteer expertise – with Telus Spark (he named his new kidney Spark), the Calgary Stampede, and final yr within the Calgary Zoo’s penguin exhibit.
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Eveleigh’s advocacy and volunteer work earned him a 2021 Premiers’ Council Award of Excellence, citing not solely his volunteer work, but additionally his advisory experience to Renfrew Instructional Companies for its Augmentative Different Communication (AAC) In every single place undertaking. He speaks about residing with a incapacity and the way to break down limitations, together with as a part of the 2019 March of Dimes Canada convention.
In 2019, he gained a Calgary Tourism White Hat Award for his distinctive volunteer service at TELUS Spark – simply two weeks after receiving his new kidney.
By means of his high-tech ACC system “good field”, which he controls and applications to precise his displays, his wrestle all through has been to be extra impartial, to speak higher and to assist mom Sue in day by day routines.
Sue says a part of what makes Taylor an inspiration to others is summed up in a single physician’s remark. “He mentioned: ‘Should you look within the dictionary with optimism, you will notice Taylor’s identify.’ “
This yr, Eveleigh hopes to proceed volunteering on the zoo, begin a YouTube channel, and discover a new job—and a girlfriend.
And continues to ensure he’s heard.
