A young Auckland woman had the opportunity of a lifetime to get out of her comfort zone and ended up ripping through the Auckland Harbour on a jetski with famous tradies, Logan Dodds andJesse James Cassrels. Writer Grace Stratton, 18, contacted Jesse after he released a videoskydiving from a hot air balloon, wanting to interview him for her website. "I began my blog from a hospital bed, so the opportunities I've gotten mean more than anything to me," Ms Stratton said. Adventurer Jesse offered to take Grace, who has cerebral palsy, out on a jetski trip on the Auckland Harbour on Anzac Day. "I think we both just wanted to do it for us, I wanted to know Jesse's story he wanted to know mine," Grace said. "I was a bit scared that Jesse was doing it because he 'pitied' me but that thought was quickly shut down. Jesse has the biggest heart of anyone I know, and he is honest, non-judgmental, wonderful. "Jetskiing was an adventure but the most adventurous and truly meaningful thing to come out of that day for me was the friendships and connection that I have developed with Logan and Jesse." "It was never intended … Continue reading →

Two schoolboys - including one with cerebral palsy in a wheelchair - have been left fighting for their lives in hospital after a horrific blaze tore through a bungalow. The brothers, aged 10 and 13, were carried out of the burning building by firefighters . The younger boy with cerebral palsy was rescued in his wheelchair - while the older brother was trapped in the bathroom screaming according to witnesses before being given CPR by the fire crew. Neighbours say their mum managed to escape from the inferno - holding a baby and covered in ash - before telling onlookers: "I've got kids stuck in the house". The boys both suffered severe burns and are critically ill in Great Ormond Street Hospital, London. Witness Wayne Regan said: I saw the whole thing, I saw children being carried out, it was horrible. The fire was raging and the mum was out on the street in her dressing gown. I just heard screaming from the back and went out, smoke and flames were pouring out the front door. We smashed the window and the older one was shouting and screaming, he was just hiding in the toilet. The firemen pulled him out … Continue reading →

UNIVERSAL DESIGN: Design students were charged with weaving the theme of fashion and innovation into their pieces for the Cerebral Palsy Foundations Design for Disability Gala. The event, scheduled for May 16, has Derek Lam serving as the evenings official host and honorary chair. Lam also served as mentor to students from the Fashion Institute of Technology, The New SchoolsParsons School of Design and School of Visual Arts for a fashion show component to the evening. Honorees at the gala include ABC Networks Speechless for the Goldenson-Arbus Vanguard Media Award, Microsoft for the Global Empowerment Award and Nike for fashion innovation specifically for its FlyEase shoe. Dereks involvement has been wonderful, both enlightening andinspiring, said Cerebral Palsy Foundation chief executive officer Richard Ellenson. As students have wrestled with complex functional issues, he has not only shown an appreciation for their insights as to making fashion accessible, he has been unerring in helping guide them toward the creation of cohesive and affecting collections. Its been a treat for all of us to experience firsthand his thoughts on fabric selection, workmanship and the power of fashion. Lam became acquainted with the organizations Design for Disability program through Domenico de Sole, chairman at … Continue reading →