A Dartmouth teenager will help mark a milestone for the War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) program in the Pepsi Natal Day Parade this weekend.
Kyla Young, a 13-year-old student at Astral Drive Junior High School will be a Safety Walker with the War Amps Float.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of CHAMP, which encourages child amputees to accept their amputations and develop a positive approach to life's challenges.
"I am looking forward to walking beside the float and showing everyone that I can do the entire parade route," said Young. "I can pretty much do anything anyone else can do."
Young was born with a bilateral amputation of both arms. But she was also gifted with a wicked smile and a confidence that she attributes to her family and to the CHAMP program.
"She wouldn't be who she is today of it weren't for this organization," said her mother Tabitha. "One of their services is to offer opportunities for the kids to meet others who are just like them. It gives them the opportunity to feel and look normal."
Not that the feisty teen has time or energy to waste on feeling sorry for herself. She describes herself as a typical girl who doesn't let anything stop her from doing what she wants to do.
Her motto is to go for it, with gusto.
"Anything you want to do, if you want it badly enough, you can have it," she said.
This will be her eighth year in the Natal Day Parade but her first year as a safety walker, a job she takes quite seriously.
"I will have to watch out for the younger kids and be an example of the War Amps Program," said Young. "This is a role I take seriously."
The Young family has travelled to Ontario and Manitoba through the War Amps to attend seminars, have fun at meet ups and have received tremendous emotional support over the years, said Tabitha.
"My daughter is a pretty amazing kid and I know we are lucky," she said. " When people stare at her it is hard. She doesn't see herself as different."
The first year the float travelled over the Macdonald bridge, the group had a good laugh. That year the float did not fit through the toll booth and some adjustments had to be made in order for them to pass through.
"Hopefully it will be smooth sailing this year," said Young. "I am looking forward to seeing everyone, completing the walk and then heading off to camp. Summer has been great so far."
The float will also have a number of elements that will catch the eye of children, including ASTAR the gold robot from Planet Danger,” said Rob Larman, director of PLAYSAFE in a news release.
“ASTAR’s message is simple but effective – I can put my arm back on, but you can’t, so PLAYSAFE," he said.
The parade starts at 10 a.m. on Novalea Drive at Dartmouth Street and ends on Ochterlony Street at Pine Street.
joanneoostveen@accesswave.ca
