A message from someone who made a huge difference in our lives for Throwback Thursday.....as Danielle was recovering after her two brain surgeries, Carolyn Thai was her first ever physiotherapist.....There were a LOT of tears of joy and reflection when I read this... Hello Malcolm Family especially little Danielle, I am not sure if you will remember me, but my name is Carolyn Thai and I was Danielle’s first physiotherapist at McMaster Children’s Hospital when she was first diagnosed. I no longer live in Hamilton, however moved back to my hometown of Vancouver after the 1 year mat leave position I was filling at Mac Kids was over. I now work as a physiotherapist at a child developmental centre, working with kids with severe disabilities like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophies, spina bifida, etc, helping them in the school setting and in the home. Anyhow, I just recently stumbled on your website and your foundation after I was inspired to google Danielle’s name. (I have to admit, it was more like brave enough). I’ve always wondered about Danielle in the back of my mind, however I guess I was always a bit too scared to know what happened to Danielle after I left. Just recently however, I was at work one day when one of the little kids I was working with asked me about this curious little purple bracelet that bore the words “Bear Necessities” that I always wore on my lanyard. I explained to him that it was a reminder of a brave little girl that I used to work with a long time ago. To be honest, I know a lot of my co-workers tease me about the fact that I even have stuff other than my work keys hanging off my lanyard (and that they can hear me jingling from down the hall), but to me, this bracelet has always kept me reminded of my past at the hospital. It always served as a reminder for me to keep trying hard at what I do and to never give up. Never give up on my kids, even if they are crying and not wanting to participate in therapy (just like Danielle did, for probably… oh… the first 15 attempts at physiotherapy) and for them to never give up, knowing how Danielle and all of my other kids at Mac Kids never gave up fighting. I honestly can clearly remember that day, when like all other days, I went to go visit Danielle in her room on the ward, and asked her to come for physiotherapy with me. I assumed it would be like all of the other days, where it would end up with her kicking and screaming, not wanting to leave her room, and me listening to Bear Necessities on the TV with either Mom or Dad as she tried to calm down. However this day was a day like no other! Danielle looked up at me, and gladly agreed to come play with me in the play area. It was a miracle! I honestly remember myself looking over at Mom with our mouths both dropped to the floor going “Okay okay, let’s get ready!” as if this fleeting moment was going to pass over very quickly. Over two hours of playing in the playroom with her and the kitchen set, I was so afraid to say that therapy was over for the day, since it had taken me forever to finally persuade her to play with me! Thankfully, from then on, I remember her being a superstar and always wanting to “play,” even winning my Physiotherapy Basketball Award, which she graciously accepted. It’s interesting that 4+ years after the fact, I still hold those memories so clear and dear. And really, thank Danielle and your family for helping make me a better therapist who doesn’t necessarily get thrown off as easily when a client doesn’t want to cooperate. I am so happy to hear of Danielle’s success combating her cancer, as well as want to congratulate you on all of your successes with your foundation. It is amazing to see just how big her and her little “baby” sister have gotten, and to see that Danielle still has that amazing smile. You guys are an amazing family who have always been so supportive of your little girl. (And to think, you were the first people I knew to own an iPad all those years back!! Wow, how the time has changed!!!). Anyhow, I just wanted to write to say a quick hello, to ask you to please give Danielle a HUGE high five for me for being (and always being) such an amazing superstar, and to thank you for making an impact on my life (even when you probably didn’t even think you would). I wish you guys all the best, happiness, and good health for the future. Many hugs, Carolyn Thai
Posted on: Thu, 22 May 2014 09:55:55 +0000
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