Respite: A night away for caregivers of children with special needs

When Ann Auld gave birth to a baby girl with Down syndrome, the doctor called her “Perfect”. Ann and her spouse, Martin named her Zola, meaning, “Of the Earth”. Knowing her daughter’s condition, Ann vowed “I will bring her out into the world and I will bring the world to her.” Ann’s path as a “fierce mama advocate” has been rewarding, but challenging at times. “Those of us in a kind of chronic caregiving mode are compared to combat soldiers – we never really get to be switched off.” That’s where the Cridge Respitality Service program comes in, with funding support from United Way donors. The service was created to offer a night away. “Respitality is about reclaiming a sense of who I am.” For more information about Ann, Zola and United Way, please visit uwgv.ca