Jordon Cotton of Alberton is in for a thrilling ride as the 2009 Easter Seals ambassador in P.E.I. Joining Jordon following his speech Monday at a Charlottetown Rotary Club luncheon are his siblings Amber, 12, and Christopher, 8, as well as campaign chairman David Lopes. Guardian photo by Heather Taweel
Ten-year-old Jordon Cotton should have lots of practice working on his fear of public speaking in the coming weeks.
The Alberton boy made his debut in front of the microphone Monday as guest speaker when he helped launch this year’s Easter Seals campaign in the province.
Jordon spoke barely above a whisper as he made his way through a short, prepared speech sitting in his wheelchair at the head table of a Charlottetown Rotary Club luncheon.
As the 2009 Easter Seals ambassador, Jordon will have a host of opportunities to hone his speaking skills. He will talk to hundreds of students during the Tim Hortons Ambassador’s School Tour and will later hit the stage for a live telethon on CBC.
Angela Cotton hopes being ambassador will give a boost to her son Jordon’s self-esteem and confidence.
“He is very, very nervous about speaking,’’ she said.
David Lopes, chairman of the 2009 Easter Seals campaign, said other youngsters like Jordon have matured and gained confidence in their short stint as ambassador.
Lopes said that Jordon certainly has the personality to connect with people during the campaign, which aims to surpass last year’s fundraising tally of about $152,000.
“He’s a bright little guy,’’ said Lopes. “He’s very happy. He always has a glow — a spark in his eye.’’
Angela says her boy manages to remain upbeat in the face of ongoing challenges.
Jordon was born several weeks early. A valve in the heart that normally closes on a full-term baby did not close for him.
“It made him very sick and left him with cerebral palsy,’’ said Angela.
Jordon has gone on to have numerous surgeries, two alone just in the first month of his life. Twice he has had surgery to lengthen the tendons in his legs.
The boy makes on average between four and six trips each year to the children’s hospital in Halifax.
To date, Jordon has surpassed the expectations of doctors, who early on felt he would never walk or talk, says Angela.
“They just are amazed every time that they see him because he does get up with the walker,’’ she said.
And he can talk. Boy, can he talk.
Away from the intimidating limelight, Jordon is expressive and exuberant as he talks about his love of hockey — if he isn’t watching his Maple Leafs on TV, he is watching clips on YouTube or playing the game on Wii.
He also expresses great keenness towards fulfilling his role as ambassador, not surprisingly placing the honour of dropping a ceremonial puck at an upcoming P.E.I. Rocket game among his most anticipated tasks.
Jordon says he also wants to impress upon other children that if they try hard, they can accomplish their goals.
Angela says her son understandably has moments of deep frustration, feeling perhaps left on the sidelines at times such as when he watches his brother and sister skating up and down the ice in a hockey game.
For the most part, though, Jordon plays the hand he has been dealt with glee.
“He’s a real fun-loving kid,’’ said mom. “He’s always so happy. He always has a smile on his face.’’
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k macphee from Yellowknife, NT writes: A lovely looking family.
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Nita from PE writes: Way To Go Jordon : Enjoy your Thrilling Ride You Are The BEST,We'll be watching you on the Easter Seal Show,Hey Summer will some be here And You can Drive that NEW BIKE right..have A Super Time....
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How adorable from pe writes: How sweet is he??!!! What a cutie and I'm sure he'll be a terrific ambassador - with a smile like that, how could he not be! Good luck handsome!
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rd from Charlottetown, PEI writes: Good stuff Jordon. You will make a fantastic ambassador. Have fun at the Rocket's game when you drop the puck.
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Trisha B from charlottetown, PEI writes: WAY TO GO JORDON!!!! I m so proud of you and I know you're going to do an awesome job!
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Good Luck from PEI writes: Good luck Jordan! I know you will do a great job! Maybe next year Tammy O'Brien will finally get her turn!
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Stephen Coleman from Charlottetown, PE writes: Way to go Jordon. You are a fantastic boy and you are making your family so proud! You are going to have a great time. I hope you all the best in the coming months! We love you Jordon!
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