Kaliegh's Story / George Jeffrey Children's Foundation / Thunder Bay, Ontario

Kaliegh's Story

October 14, 2022

For the first time ever, George Jeffrey Children's Foundation, with the support of the Thunder Bay Metro Lions, sponsored a FREE camping experience for one of George Jeffrey Children's Centre clients and their 4 guests. Clients of the Centre and their families/caregivers were encouraged to submit their application to the Foundation for consideration.

Working closely with the Centre's Recreation and Leisure Program, the Foundation really wanted to enhance the recreation program and add something a little more special for our clients and their families. With that, Cindy Levanto, Foundation Executive Director, re-started a conversation that began with the Centre and the Wilderness Discovery Centre prior to the beginning of pandemic. She says "More often than not, families that have children will special needs not only have financial constraints, but accessibility needs. The Foundation Board really wanted to enhance their recreation experience in a special way so funding this camping experience was truly special."

In June 2022, the Board of George Jeffrey Children's Foundation chose Kaleigh Harasen and her family to enjoy a 5-day camping experience at the Wilderness Discovery Centre, a fully accessible campground on Shebandowan Lake. Currently 18, Kaleigh has been a client of George Jeffrey Children's Centre since she was about 4 years old and will age out in November of 2023 at 19 years of age.

Cindy Levanto further adds "When my Board reviewed the applications, all of which were worthy of the camping experience, it was Cindy and Kaleigh Harasen's application that really stood out – it was heart wrenching."

In 2003, Kaleigh was born with Down Syndrome, and until the past year has been reaching her greatest potential through the various therapies offered at the Centre, notably speech and occupational therapy. Kaleigh's mom says "I can't recall a time where a Centre appointment was not on our calendar, and we really thought we'd be wrapping up Kaleigh's journey with George Jeffrey Children's Centre with nothing but smiles. "However, that all changed during the summer of 2021, and Harasen recalls feeling that "their lives got turned upside down very quickly because Kaleigh was now diagnosed with something called Acute Regression or Down Syndrome Disintegrative Disorder which is a condition characterized by acute cognitive decline, catatonia, insomnia, acute psychosis and obsessive-compulsive disorder. "She also says "Almost overnight, Kaleigh went from a bright, active, happy high-school student to being a mere shell of her formal self."

Kaleigh's mom noted in their application that "this camping experience would be a breath of fresh air after the hardest year of our lives and a sweet way to end Kaleigh's journey with George Jeffrey Children's Centre."

Coincidently the timing of this recreation enhancement aligned with the Thunder Bay Metro Lion's 50/50 draw held at the end of June 2022. It not only completely funded Kaleigh's camping adventure, it will help to fund next year's recipient too! Special thanks to the Thunder Bay Metro Lions for your much-needed support in this amazing opportunity for our Centre clients. Rob Finley, President of Metro Lions commented "Our club has been a long supporter of George Jeffrey Children's Centre and Foundation and we are very pleased that our sold out 50/50 draw could make such a wonderful impact!"