Provincial Ambassadors

Every year Youth Ambassadors are appointed to represent Easter Seals and youth across Alberta at special events and public appearances. These individuals volunteer their time and educate others with their life stories and high spirits. We are honoured to know and work with the following remarkable young people:

Provincial Ambassadors

Adam Thompson
2010 Ambassador for Northern Alberta

Adam is 18-years old and a grade 12 student at Edmonton Christian Senior High School. He lives with his mom Darlene, his dad Lloyd, and his older sister Amanda.

Adam was born with a rare form of hydrocephalus (water on the brain) and as a result he has spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy. He is non-verbal and uses signing and facial expressions to communicate. Adam uses a wheelchair full-time to propel himself every day.

Adam loves meeting people and being the centre of attention. He enjoys hockey, football and hanging out at the mall with friends. He is an avid fan of NASCAR Racing. You can often find Adam playing practical jokes and finding the humor in life.

In 2008, Adam became critically ill and overcame many challenges because of his strong will and positive attitude.

In 2009, Easter Seals Alberta helped fund a new vehicle adaptation for a new van when their old van could no longer meet Adam’s needs. This new vehicle was needed to allow Adam to get to his medical appointments. “The new accessible van has greatly improved Adam’s quality of life and has allowed us to spend time together as a family,” said Darlene.

Adam’s sense of humor is his strongest attribute along with his easy going attitude towards life. His perseverance is inspiring.

Easter Seals Alberta is honoured to name Adam Thompson as the 2010 Easter Seals Ambassador for Northern Alberta!

Kyla Oelhaupl
2010 Easter Seals Youth Ambassador for Southern Alberta

Kyla is 11-years old and a grade six student at St. Benedict Elementary school in Calgary. She lives with her mom Sandi, her dad Dan, her brother Joshua who is nine and her sister Ashley who is six.
Kyla was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy at three months old. She is non-verbal and uses a communication device along with her power wheelchair to do daily activities like going to school and getting around the house.

In 2009, Easter Seals Alberta helped fund a vehicle adaptation to make it safe for Kyla to be transported for family outings and community activities. As a camper at Easter Seals Camp Horizon, Kyla’s favorite activities include playing basketball, swinging on the giant swing, sitting around the campfire and staying up late. Kyla is very sociable and outgoing. “What I like the most about camp is being around my friends and being a regular kid doing a lot of fun things,” said Kyla.

Kyla wakes up every morning smiling and loves being challenged and going to school. She loves spending time with her brother and sister playing Rock Band on the Wii. Kyla likes doing arts and crafts such as painting and drawing. Her favorite sport is swimming.
Her goals are to master her communication device and to improve her power wheelchair driving skills so that she can get around more independently. Promoting recreation and school programs that are designed for kids of all abilities in her community is also important to her.

Kyla’s laugh is contagious. She really finds the joy in life.

Easter Seals Alberta is honoured to name Kyla Oelhaupl as the 2010 Easter Seals Youth Ambassador for Southern Alberta!