Meet Carling!
The oldest of three children, Carling was born in 1995, and lived for 8 and a 8 months in Burlington, Ontario.
She attended pre-school at Love and Learn, then elementary at W.E. Breckon, and Charles Beaudoin schools, where she enjoyed attending class with mainstream students, supported by her educational assistants, and school team.
Carling had a quiet, gentle disposition and was very strong and tolerant through the progression of her disorder. She was a pretty girl with blonde hair and quite tall for her age.
She loved having friends and being with other children, especially her two younger brothers, Colton and Jarrett.
She enjoyed doing crafts, colouring, watching movies and shows and playing with her doll Molly (from the TV series The Big Comfy Couch). She also loved lions and bears, and was thrilled to attend the live production of The Lion King in Toronto with her Mom and friends.
Carling came to teach and opened many doors for her parents and health team as they learned to care for her, searching for a cure and ways to keep her healthy. Her journey helped her brother Colton, who was also affected with Late Infantile NCL. She also taught many life lessons to the huge community of people who make up The Winning Team CG—simply by being the person she was. Carling lived a full life, even though it was short. She traveled with family and shared stories with her mom which are published in her book “Stories by Carling.”
Carling was treasured by her family, “Daddy’s girl” for sure. When she no longer could speak, she continued to communicate, and the bond of love was strong. Carling was a shining tribute to her name, which in Gaelic means “little champion.”
Ride In My Footsteps is Carling’s Legacy Program. It is a school based opportunity for healthy K-8 students to spend a half day in a wheelchair. She wanted children to understand her day-to-day by feeling the experience.
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