WINTER 2011 - Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region

Our Success Stories!WINTER 2011Patti’s StoryPatti was only 21 years old when shebegan to notice blurred vision in oneeye.“That was the first sign,” she said.“I didn’t even know what it was.”As it turns out, it was an indicationof the beginnings of chronic progressivemultiple sclerosis—a shock for Patti, whodoes not have a history of MS in herfamily.But she didn’t let it get in the wayof living a healthy, fulfilling life. Patti hadtwo children after her diagnosis, and didnot require the use of a wheelchair for fiveyears.A native of Kitchener-Waterloo, Pattispent some time living in New Brunswickand Nova Scotia before moving back in1998. She began receiving attendant carefrom a local community organization, butfound that she required a greater numberof weekly service hours than they couldprovide.That’s when she became affiliatedwith the Independent Living Centre ofWaterloo Region, which was able toprovide her with a greater frequencyattendant service that better met herneeds.Patti thinks fondly on her timereceiving Outreach support. “They’re likepart of your family,” she said, referring tothe attendants who helped her at homewith the tasks of daily living, and made iteasier for her to be a mother to her twoyoung children.Now, after 21 years of living withMS, Patti is still living independently, andis as busy as ever. Not only does she“ILC has let mekeep my life.”serve on the Board of Directors at theIndependent Living Centre of WaterlooRegion, Patti has also been heavilyinvolved with Waterloo Region’s Barrier-Free Advisory Committee. She alsocontinues to be active within KW Access-Ability, which over the years has providedcountless networking opportunities andvaluable relationships.Patti now lives in an apartment inone of ILCWR’s Assisted Living projects,where she feels very much at home.“ILC has let me keep my life,” Pattisaid. “There will always be barriers topeople with disabilities, but you help tokeep those barriers to a minimum.”“Our Success Stories” are featured inevery issue of The Forum, and also inthe 2010-2011 Annual Report.Visit www.ilcwr.org/annual-reports toread more!6