By: Daniel Perry
Golfing for Kids. Georgina residents Rick Longfield and Glen Stevens participate in the Give A Miracle A Chance Golf Tournament.
The age-old theory that doing something good for people everywhere will ultimately make you feel good in return.
That’s the message at the Give A Miracle A Chance’s third annual classic golf tournament Saturday.
Seventy-five participants and three children with cerebral palsy raised $5,000 for the charity that helps children with cerebral palsy.
“It’s really amazing to be a part of this. I took on an extra shift today so I could be here,” said 17-year-old Alayna Kollman, a member of the HarborView kitchen staff.
“It feels great that I can come to work and know I’m a part of something so big and life changing. I will definitely try and be a part of any future events this organization hosts.”
Before golfers headed out, they were treated to a barbecue and a pre-tournament putting contest.
An action-packed auction followed the golf as everyone sat down for drinks and a steak dinner.
“This means everything to my son and I,” said Steve Marles, whose son, Denton, was born with cerebral palsy almost three years ago and has been able to take part in hyperbaric oxygen treatments, conductive education and TheraSuit therapies because of the money raised by charity.
“A lot of people, especially Denton’s grandmother, Lynn, put a lot of hard work into making sure everything ran smoothly today,” Mr. Marles said. “Since Lynn started this charity, Denton has gone from barely moving under his own strength to rarely ever slowing down.
“When my wife and I put him on the floor, he’s able to do so much more and to see him walk with his Kaye walker brings tears to my eyes. It’s really incredible.”
Mr. Marles’ team won the most honest golfers award, but he was quick to point out that despite the embarrassing miniature trophy, he still had a blast.
Denton’s mom, Courtney, also credits her mom’s hard work for his amazing progress.
“He’s been able to do so much more than what doctors originally said he’d be able to do. (The charity) is a big reason for that and the organization’s continuous support really gives me hope for my son’s future,” she said.
“Since (the charity) started researching and raising money for children with CP, Denton has made remarkable progress. He’s now able to move much more, speak more and he’s even able to sit up by himself. I’ve also noticed he’s more aware and able to understand my words way more.”
Ms Marles added that parents with children who don’t suffer from cerebral palsy take too much for granted.
She hears people yelling at their children when they’re moving around too much or making too much noise.
“Are you kidding me? I’d give anything for Denton to be able to move around completely by himself and knock over a shelf at home or something,” she said.
“For me to be able to raise my voice at him and say no, don’t do that or don’t say that would be a dream come true. I’ve been told by so many people not to expect that stuff from my son.”
Lynn and other volunteers supported 10 children by providing independent therapy treatment programs last year.
The organization contributed $75,000 to their ongoing rehabilitation programs.
The goal for this year is to support 13 more children.
Contact Janet Angell, janet@giveamiracleachance.com or call 877-603-9991, ext. 1.
Visit giveamiracleachance.com for more information.