I am often asked why I am so passionate about ENABLING individuals. My answer is because I have not known any other approach to life. I am the youngest of three children. My two older siblings were each born with a life-threatening disease: Down Syndrome and Cystic Fibrosis. My parents worked tirelessly to ensure both of my siblings (as well as myself) were afforded vast opportunities to enable their development throughout life, to participate in life, to enjoy life, and most importantly to live. At a young age I also observed my father’s struggles with poor cardiovascular health and eventually dementia prior to his passing. ENABLE is my way of life.
My family provides me with a wonderful and unique opportunity to invite members into the classroom to help share a first-hand experience to the students. I am often told this experience instantly tops most students list of favourite lectures. What many people may view as a curse I wholeheartedly know is a blessing.
Various comments from students have included:
“Thank you for taking the time to come in and shared your stories. Out of 4 years, this has been my favourite guest lecture and the first one that has ever made me tear up. It was awesome to get some insight into the life of a caregiver, I haven’t had much experience on the topic!”
“Anne, your story is truly inspiring and you can really see the love and care you have and give to your family. You are a very strong person and I applaud you for all your hard work. (One of the best lectures in all of university).”
“Thank you very much for coming into our classroom to speak to us and share with us your wisdom, experiences, hardships and knowledge. This was a beautiful lecture that reminded me to continually give love and support and be accepting of everyone in my life because everyone is struggling but it’s so important to give support and understanding. Thank you.”
“Thank you for sharing your experience. I know it is hard to put yourself in a vulnerable position. You did a wonderful job! I’m an observant person and couldn’t help but notice the entire classroom being inspired and reflecting. You are a strong woman and have done an absolutely AMAZING job caring and raising your family. I think every mother-to-be needs to hear your stories so they know it is okay to accept and care for any chid. They need to know that every child deserves to be happy and that they can offer support. You are an inspiration to all! “
“To the van Wyk family – every one of you are inspiring, strong, and kind. Keep up the outstanding job for raising awareness. Extremely grateful for you all!”
“Thank you for coming in today. I really enjoyed listening to what you had to say. I loved that you brought Laura’s diploma and grad pic back to the doctor! Your section about caregivers made me think a lot about my own mom and her complete selflessness as one of my siblings has been going through something for the past many years now and I’ve seen the tool it has taken on my mom yet she still continues to put everyone else first. Thank you for coming “
“You have opened my mind about Down Syndrome, I have learned so much today! I think you are an incredible mother and so inspiring! Thank you for sharing your story today, I can’t imagine how hard it was.”
