everyone a winner!
In the Hope Classic, "Finishing Is Winning!" For more information visit Team Hagkull website.

2009 photos
See the action from last year! Take a look at the photo gallery.

The Kids

My name is Mayah Abelman. I am 5 years old and I have just finished Kindergarten at Evans Elementary. I was diagnosed with spina bifida and club feet when my mom was pregnant with me. After I was born, I got hydrocephalus. When I was 3½, I fractured my hip. I have had 3 surgeries and lots of cast on my legs. It's not very much fun but I am super happy anyways.

I have been working very hard with my physiotherapist and am learning lots of news things. I can stand for a short time and I am also learning how to use a walker. I start horseback riding in 2 weeks. I am very excited!

I have one older sister who is 10 and my brother who is 3. We live on a hobby farm in Greendale, B.C. We have chickens, goats, horses and 2 bunnies. Oh, and a cockatiel named Sully. I use my power chair to ride all around the farm and I love to give my brother and sister and some of my friends piggyback rides to go exploring. Some of my favorite things to do are exploring outdoors and watching YouTube. I love anything about trains or rocket ships. I got to do Sparks this year which was lots of fun. But my very favorite thing to do is play at the beach. I love the water and even got to do some swimming lessons.

When I grow up I want to be a Doctor so I can help other kids and people to be happy and healthy, just like me! I can do anything! I will never give up!

My name is Harmony Ward-Loop. I am a home-schooled Grade 7 student. I was diagnosed with a disability called Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus while my mom was pregnant with me. Spina Bifida is a condition where the nerves in my back were exposed in the womb.

I have life harder than the average person. Spina Bifida has caused partial paralysis from my waist down. I walk with a severe limp -- I can't walk fast, it is hard to walk for long distances, and I can't stand for prolonged periods of time.

Having a wheelchair is kind of cool. Ever since I learned how to do the catwalk I get everyone asking how I do it, and how I don't fall. Doing the catwalk is a crazy habit of mine that makes my mom uneasy, but it is fun to me. In my chair I can finally go as fast as my friends.

When I was seven years old, my mom found a sport that I still do today: horse-back riding. I have won four 1st place ribbons in two horse shows.

My step dad and my mom run a guided fishing trip company named Bent Rods. I have three siblings and one on the way. I live on a hobby farm with 26 chickens, three dogs, and one cat. My favorite movie is Forrest Gump, and it has my favorite saying: "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get."

Benjamin Hagkull is a 7-year old who attends Cheam Elementary School in Chilliwack, B.C.. Ben loves to draw, invent cool things with LEGO and bounce on the trampoline. Benjamin and his older brother Caleb are big Canuck’s fans and were quite disappointed when their team missed the playoffs!

He doesn’t have sensation in his lower legs and as a result gets around in a wheelchair. Ben and his family know the route to BC Children’s hospital well. In addition to having Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, he was born with club feet and by the time he was 4 1/2 months old, Ben had 33 casts on his legs.

Ben loves the water and has is becoming quite an accomplished swimmer. He enjoys cheering on his big bro at soccer and softball games and Ben enjoys riding his bike with his neighborhood friends.

Years ago Ben’s parents wondered how to get their youngest son involved in the athletic realm and after watching an inspirational story on TV, Ben announced that he wanted to become a triathlete! That day, Ben’s journey began and In fact, before Ben entered kindergarten, he had two events under his belt! You can read more about Team Hagkull and see photos of Ben in action by visiting their family website at www.teamhagkull.com

Hi! My name is Amanda Leitch and I am 14 years old. Having Spina Bifida has sure had its difficulties. I have had nine surgeries, some being very hard, some not so bad. I have had some amazing doctors, my favourite being Dr. Reilly (Orthopaedic Surgeon at BC Children's Hospital). He always makes me feel better.

There is some upside to being in a wheelchair. I get the good parking spots. And getting first in line in Disneyland is good. Hey, there has to be something positive about being in a wheelchair - You’ve got to look at life as if the glass is half - full!

I love horses! I won first prize as well as two other ribbons at the horse show last Spring. I love to watch 7th Heaven and Gilmore Girls. I like talking to my friends on MSN, spending time with my Grandma, going to concerts, playing cards and in the summer I love going to the beach. I also regularly attend my "Girls Group" where we talk and do crafts together.

The Spina Bifida Association has been very good to me. They have helped provide a printer for my computer, installed a lift in my new house, a bike trailer, and new seats in my Mom and Dad's van. And guess what? Right now I am shopping for a new wheelchair that’s made of titanium. I’ll be like a superhero on wheels! Ha Ha!

My next goal is to increase my independence in all areas of my life. This has provided me with a great many challenges,- But when I am inspired, I can accomplish anything!