Kaitlyn Lenchak
2006 Provincial Easter Seals Ambassador
12-year-old Kaitlyn Lenchak brings her optimism and public speaking abilities to her role as Provincial Easter Seals Ambassador. Very comfortable talking to others and answering questions about her disability, Kaitlyn is an established community speaker. She was the ambassador for York Region in 2005 and has met many incredible people such as former Easter Seals Ambassadors, politicians, members of the media and Easter Seals supporters.
Kaitlyn was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, spastic diplegia at age one and has some challenges walking. She is usually able to get around comfortably using her walker, but has her friends and family to help her around less-accessible areas. Her close family is very important to her and she credits her parents’ encouragement with helping her to achieve so much.
“I have always taken that approach, to do the best that I can.”
The grade 6 student loves mathematics, art and social studies, and has a special computer to help her with some of her work. Her hobbies include swimming, skiing and playing piano. She has a 13-year-old brother, Nicholas and is adored by her 6-year-old sister Madison. As her allergies prevent her from having a real dog, her pet is a virtual “Nintendog”.
Kaitlyn has been positively influenced by past Easter Seals Ambassadors and is looking forward to helping other kids with physical disabilities. “I want to be able to speak for others who may not be able to.” We are confident that many children will benefit from what Kaitlyn has to share.
Ryan Benoit
2006 Provincial Easter Seals Ambassador
Ryan Benoit is a very social and confident individual who is looking forward to being a Provincial Easter Seals Ambassador. Born in Val Caron, just north of Sudbury, he has already been a local ambassador for two years, and enjoyed his involvement in several fundraising events like Power Play and the Easter Seals Telethon.
Ryan has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair or a walker to get around. He admits having a disability means he sometimes has to work harder than others, but he doesn’t let it get in the way of his independence or achieving his goals. His advice to other kids with physical disabilities is “never give up and keep on trying!”
Easter Seals is very fortunate to have a bilingual ambassador–the 12-year-old is fluent in both English and French. While English is his favourite subject, he is an excellent student overall and plans to be a teacher.
Outside of school, Ryan enjoys playing various games with his friends. He likes NHL hockey, his hometown hockey team “The Sudbury Wolves” and playing road hockey with his brothers and friends. He also enjoys going to his family cottage throughout the year, where he likes to go fishing, swimming, hunting with his Dad and quad riding. In the winter months, he enjoys ice fishing and ski-doo riding with his family. Ryan’s family has been a great source of encouragement and he counts his brothers and parents as his role models.
Ryan was speechless and very excited when he found out he was chosen as the 2006 Provincial Easter Seals Ambassador. He is looking forward to meeting new people and raising important funds for kids with physical disabilities and their families.