Easter Seals Camp Horizon has been a part of Nicole Wuetherick’s life for more than a decade. Now, the 18-year-old, who was recently named the 2015 Easter Seals ambassador for Southern Alberta, is looking to give back to the camp.
Nicole has been diagnosed with Vacterl Syndrome, a condition that led to a rare kidney disease that required extensive hospital stays.
“I've had over a hundred surgeries,” said Nicole. “I haven't had time to actually go back and count them all yet but I’m going to one day.”
Easter Seals Camp Horizon, which has operated for 50 years, offered an eight-year-old Nicole a temporary escape from hospital life while attending kidney camp.
“I like getting to be who I am and just be my normal self. I think the reason I come is because I get to meet kids who are like me.”
Nicole is currently participating in Camp Horizon’s leadership camp where she is training to become a camp worker.
During her time as a camper, Nicole gained friends and a role model, Justine, an older girl who also faced the challenges of kidney disease.
“I met her when I came to camp but she was older than me. She was one of the first people I ever met and we've been friends ever since.”
“Every year she's been like my leader, my counsellor."
Anna Garcia, the director of operations at Easter Seals Camp Horizon, says Nicole’s zest for life is a source of inspiration.
“She is a typical teenager, she is a young girl that is excited to be at camp, that is excited to explore adventure,” said Garcia. “Obviously, what she is dealing with is so big for anyone, (but) it hasn't stopped her from living life to the fullest.”
Nicole says she hopes to become a counsellor and looks forward to working, and sharing her own life experiences, with the younger campers. She says she relate to the fact one of her counsellors had suffered kidney failure and required an ostomy bag.
For her aspirations to inspire and lead the campers at Camp Horizon, Nicole Wuetherick is this week’s Inspiring Albertan.
With files from CTV's Darrel Janz
