News

Darbi's Dream to be realized April 1

By Wilbur McLean
29 Mar

“I’ve only got a few days left with hair,” notes Darbi Rumpel, 15, on Friday afternoon at Foremost school.

Indeed the countdown is on for Rumpel’s locks as on Thursday, April 1 the Grade 8 student will be joined a number of other Foremost students and staff in shaving their heads as a fundraiser for Cerebral Palsy.

“Dad wants it off,” chuckles Rumpel. “He won’t have to brush my hair anymore.”

Rumpel herself has cerebral palsy and hopes her fundraiser, Darbi’s Dream, will help others who are afflicted with the same condition. All proceeds will go to Cerebral Palsy Alberta.

A large crowd is expected on Thursday for the event.

“Most of the Foremost community will be there,” said Debra Peterson, Darbi’s assistant for the past 13 years. “This is a really tight-knit community and we really support each other.”

Rumpel is like most other 15-year-olds in that she is a huge fan of the television show, Survivor, and names Deal or No Deal host Howie Mandel as her favourite celebrity. She also blushes when asked about her crush, a former Foremost student who will be among those attending Darbi’s Dream. She is well-liked by all at Foremost School.

“Darbi’s my friend. She used to stop by the office and now we’ve become girlfriends,” said Rita O’Hara, administrative assistant at Foremost and one of the staff members responsible for helping organize Darby’s Dream. “We’re so lucky to have her in our lives.”

The day will begin at noon with a barbeque and live music played by students and staff. A fundraising bake sale is also planned. Cory Johnson, a motivational speaker who himself has cerebral palsy, will address those in attendance. Then, at about 2 p.m., the shears will come out and the hair will disappear.

Representatives from Cerebral Palsy Alberta will be present for Darbi’s Dream. Ulrike Thomas of Cerebral Palsy Alberta said fundraisers like these throughout the province were responsible for raising more than $10,000 in 2009 alone.

According to Cerebral Palsy Canada, cerebral palsy is a condition where muscle movements and posture is affected (palsy) due to brain damage (cerebral). It is a condition rather than a disease and does not worsen over time.

Foremost school has 205 students between Kindergarten and Grade 12. The village of Foremost has 524 residents as of the 2006 Census.

Those unable to attend but wishing to make a contribution can do so by arranging a donation with Rita O’Hara at Foremost School, by calling Ulrike Thomas of Cerebral Palsy Alberta at 403-219-3604 to donate by credit card or mailing a cheque to:

Ulrike Thomas
Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta
Jim and Pearl Burns Centre
3688 48 Ave. NE
Calgary, AB
T3J 5C8