Ambassadors are appointed yearly to represent Easter Seals Alberta across the province.  They volunteer their time at special events and make public appearances - all in an effort to educate others about life with a disability.  Easter Seals Alberta is honoured to work with the following remarkable young people:

Provincial Ambassadors 2013

Jacob Dunn
Northern Alberta Ambassador

Jacob is 13-years old and currently attends Ecole Avalon Junior High School. He lives with his parents Jennifer and Jay, along with three siblings - Ethan, Mitchell and Kathryn.  

Jacob faces daily challenges as he learns to cope with a recent kidney disease diagnosis.  Living a normal active life is difficult - with challenges around pain, nausea and low energy. He also lives with various medical appointments and multiple medications.  

Easter Seals Alberta made a huge difference in Jacob’s life when he attended Easter Seals Camp Horizon. Meeting people with a similar diagnosis provided him much needed support and new found friendships.  Camp allowed Jacob time to get to know his medical team on a more personal level, making his clinical sessions more relaxed.

 Besides hockey and the Edmonton Oilers, Jacob loves computers and gadgets, or any item with buttons!  At Camp, Jacob’s favourite memory was the giant swing. He liked “the feeling of dropping out of the sky when you least expect it.”  

Jacob is considering a variety of career options - from radio or TV host, to police officer or politician. He really wants to help improve things in his community and society. Most importantly, he wants people to “not judge by what they see”.

 Jacob McGregor
Southern Alberta Ambassador

 

Jacob is 19 years old with Spastic Quadriplegia. He lives at home with his parents and brother while pursuing his degree in Political Science from the University of Calgary. He requires a power wheelchair for mobility.  

His disability causes severe muscle tightness and poor balance. Given these motor difficulties, he struggles with daily living tasks like brushing his teeth and combing his hair. His lack of independence and reliance on caregivers to get him places great limits his activities.  

Jacob has been involved with Easter Seals since the age of 5. He was a youth ambassador in 2000 and attended Easter Seals Camp Horizon from 2003 and 2008. Camp gave him the opportunity to make new friends and participate in sports and activities normally unavailable to someone living with a disability. One of his favorite memories of Camp is the thrill of the giant swing and the freedom that experience provided.  

Jacob’s spare time is spent playing hockey attending toastmasters and enjoying time with family and friends. Currently studying Political Science at the University of Calgary, he hopes to have a career in politics once finished his degree.  Improving accessibility in public places is something he wants to improve.