The gym is beautiful.
It's a simple statement, but it truly hit the mark when Bennett Burke, 11, said it during the unveiling of the Smilezone at the Children's Treatment Centre on Thursday. Bennett was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was a year old.
Bennett has been going to the centre since his diagnosis. He's celebrating his 12th birthday on Dec. 15, and it was an early present to have a room in which he spends many hours become a brighter, friendlier place.
That's because the gymnasium received a makeover from the Smilezone Foundation, which refurbished the room with a bright orange coat of paint, Northern Ontario-inspired murals, therapy-related equipment and more.
“We have much to celebrate,” said Joanne Tramontini, clinical manager, NEO Kids Children's Treatment Centre. “The new colours, new furnishings and renovations have created a great space that the children and youth at our centre are really enjoying and will benefit from as they pursue their goals.”
A few years ago, Smilezone revamped the pediatric oncology clinic at Health Sciences North. Last week, the organization completed its 200th Smilezone in Ontario, and plans are to expand beyond the borders of Ontario with a new Smilezone in Calgary, Alberta, said Smilezone co-founder Scott Bachly.
“We're focused on putting smiles on children's faces right across Canada,” he said. “Our motto is, 'every child deserves to smile,' and that's what we're trying to achieve.
“Smilezone does not change the way our children are treated, but what we are able to do is change the environment that has historically been a relatively blank space. We thought that by adding vibrant colours, custom murals and a few pieces of equipment, it would make a more uplifting experience for children attending treatment.”
Barbara Burke, Bennett's mom, said the gym looks amazing, which is important because amazing things happen there.
“Children learn to do to the that so many of us take for granted in this gymnasium,” she said. “Bennett learned to walk and talk here, and he continues to come to the CTC for treatments. He's here every Monday and works very hard.”
Smilezone also renovated North Bay Regional Health Centre's Wordplay Jeux de mots site at the Rainbow Centre Mall in downtown Sudbury. The unveiling also happened Thursday.
