Miracle child has big day
Published: April 10, 2007
She got to stay in a big hotel with her family, make new friends, talk to the governor general and paint her face black and white like a dalmation.
It wasn’t just another day for five-year-old Caleigh Turnbull yesterday.
The London girl, struck by a curb-jumping taxi more than a year ago, was honoured as a “miracle child” in Ottawa, along with 11 others who’ve battled with life-threatening injuries and illnesses in Canadian children’s hospitals.
The 12 Children’s Miracle Network “champions” and their families visited Ottawa, courtesy of Wal-Mart, for a luncheon in their honour hosted by Governor General Michaelle Jean.
They are to fly to Florida today for a live concert and tour of Walt Disney World before a taping for the annual Children’s Miracle Network Telethon. The world’s largest annual TV fundraiser is to be broadcast in North America June 2 and 3.
Caleigh was walking on the sidewalk near York and Talbot streets in London with her grandmother on March 3, 2006, when a cab jumped a curb and injured both.
Grandmother Denise Turnbull’s legs were broken and Caleigh suffered such serious brain injuries, there were doubts she’d ever walk or talk.
Yesterday, the spunky blond-haired girl — who spent 35 days in Children’s Hospital of Western Ontario and weeks in recovery — is a walking, talking bundle of joy, according to her mother, Deborah Turnbull.
“She’s a happy, healthy child,” said mom. “She’s got a great spirit and this event has been a lot of fun for her.”
Despite her amazing recovery, Caleigh still has weakness on her left side that affects her walking.
Grandmother Turnbull has graduated from a walker to a cane and has made progress during a long recovery, said Deborah.
The meeting with Jean at Rideau Hall was “very relaxed,” she said.
“It was for the kids, and the governor general spent time with them and showed them around. She was very personable.”
Caleigh said she enjoyed “sleeping in a big bed in a big hotel,” meeting other children and having her face painted.
Her mother said the miracle children and their families were well treated.
“We were met at the airport and each child had a volunteer assigned to him or her (by the Children’s Miracle Network) for the stay.”
Parents of the children enjoyed the chance to talk to each other about their experiences, she said.
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