A Disabled Pioneer Or Pioneers

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., Ward A, Edmonton Public School Trustee Candidate, #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

June XXIIIrd, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Gosh Heidi Janz of the University Of Alberta is one smart lady. She wins an Award of Distinction IV her efforts in disability studies. As a person with a disability myself of autism, I am really get where Heidi is coming from. She doesn't see people in palliative care as a burden. No she sees them as having entered a new stage in life & bully II her IV that. She was nominated by friends at the University Of Manitoba. To be ethical & treat disabled folks about palliative ethics & that we all have the right II a great life. Now thats a person who is respected.

Last night I attended (as an invited guest) the celebration of life of Gary McPherson. He was crippled from the neck down and wound up being an Adjunct Professor at the University of Alberta. This man was in hospital for XXXIV (34) years of his life. Yet he did more in his life for Albertans, both disabled & non disabled then many other people. Here's a guy who was on a ventilator what VIII (8) hours a day and he ran IV PC Leader & Premier. A truly great egg. I did some volunteer campaigning for Gary myself in the leadership election. Phone calling & even donated to the campaign. He was a great student of the world. He didn't judge me IV my autism & I didn't judge him IV being in a wheelchair. He was a real guy with a heart of gold.

Note: It was nice of Premier Edward Michael Stelmach & the cabinet II establish a University Of Alberta Scholarship Fund in Gary's name. Then II announce it by video to the Shaw Centre Hall A Service, touching.

A Disability Leading II An Ability,

Rory

Source: Dawn Ford, The Orange Alumni Magazine. & Www.GaryMcPherson.Com.