Nikky Henderson
2007 Provincial Easter Seals Ambassador
Yannique (Nikky as she prefers) Henderson brings an extremely positive outlook to her role as Provincial Ambassador. This 12 year-old, Toronto native is passionate about sharing information with others about all disabilities – those that are visible and those that are not so obvious. She feels compassion for those individuals with disabilities who are unable to share their feelings about the struggles they face on a daily basis.
Born eleven weeks premature, Nikky has Cerebral Palsy, Spastic Diplegia. Although she has a relatively mild form, she has difficulty walking and must use braces. She credits her parents Sheline and David with being very supportive and always pushing her to do more. Constantly focusing on what she is able to do, Nikky went skiing for the first time last winter.
Nikky’s favourite pastime is music – particularly Hip Hop and R&B – and anything relating to music. A musician herself, Nikky plays the clarinet and loves to sing. When she’s not listening to music, Nikky likes to keep informed about social issues. She enjoys watching the news, researching on the internet and gathering information about current events. Nikky is also an enthusiastic basketball fan, with the Toronto Raptors and Chris Bosh at the top of her list.
This grade seven student has an extremely gentle manner and is adored by her one-year old brother André. In the future she hopes to “do anything involving music”. During her term as Provincial Ambassador Nikky is looking forward to raising money and getting the word out about how Easter Seals helps children and youth with physical disabilities. Her advice to others: “Pursue your dreams – you can do anything you want!”
Matthew Debly
2007 Provincial Easter Seals Ambassador
Matthew is a very spirited and determined 12 year-old who is looking forward to raising awareness for children with physical disabilities and funds for Easter Seals during his year as Provincial Ambassador. Having been an Ambassador for Windsor/Essex since 2004, Matthew is experienced in public speaking and has enjoyed meeting and talking to many “new and cool people”.
Matthew is a tetraplegic and has Transverse Myelitis, which resulted from a spinal cord injury occurring when he was just 17 months old. Matthew has difficulty walking but can usually get around using a cane and sometimes a wheelchair. His message to others with physical disabilities: “Always be positive and keep working. If you dream you will get better and better, then you will.”
Matthew is an avid sports enthusiast with a passion for hockey, wheelchair racing and wheelchair basketball. He actively participates as a member of the LaSalle Lightning Wheelchair Basketball Team and the Windsor Bulldogs Disabled Sports Club, where he has been tremendously successful, winning gold medals in the 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m races at the Ontario Provincial Championships in 2005 and 2006.
Matthew has a very close family. Always there to cheer him on, his parents Tony and Heather, along with his 22 year-old sister Katie, 13 year-old sister, Amanda and 4 year-old brother, Jonathan are his source of encouragement and inspiration. In his spare time Matthew likes to play video games and is a big Toronto Maple Leafs fan.
Matthew has high aspirations for the future. He plans to become either a doctor specializing in pediatrics, an architect or lawyer, just like his dad. During his year as Provincial Ambassador, Matthew hopes to “get the message out about what it’s like to have a disability and to raise funds to help Easter Seals kids achieve their goals.”