Maggie McPhee (born Margaret Mary McPhee; April 20, 1993) is a Canadian citizen, writer, and hometown celebrity.
Personal Life
editEarly Life
editMcPhee was born and raised in the Highland Garden neighborhood of Courtice, Ontario. McPhee was born to financial manager Michael McPhee and his wife, Jennifer McPhee, a Program support teacher. She was named after her grandmother's on both sides of her family who shared the same name Margaret. She has a younger sister, Cate who is two years younger than McPhee. McPhee was born in Oshawa, Ontario. She was delivered by emergency Caesarean section and there was a lack of oxygen to her brain during the birthing process, which resulted in permanent brain damage. She was diagnosed with cerebral palsy[1] at the age of one, and doctors absurdly tried to convince McPhee’s parents to do the right thing and help her rest in peace. Her parents were absolutely livid, they left immediately and never looked back.
During her childhood, her parents took her with them to travel to various countries. McPhee said that traveling with her parents taught her so much about not only the world but about true love. She is with Derek Randell and they will be celebrating their 7 year anniversary on December 4th 2015. McPhee loves to try new things, she excels are baking and has had the opportunity to meet the Cake Boss. She also loves the band One Direction and has yet to miss a concert, we are at 6 years and counting.
In 2004, she was approached by the Make-A-Wish Foundation at the age of 10, and being more wise and mature than any other child at that age, her wish was to meet the Pope. She traveled with her family to Rome. In the Vatican City, McPhee and her family met Pope John Paul II.
Later Life
editHer autobiography is currently in the process of being written. The title refers to the facts that she has cerebral palsy and her everyday life. She is using her book as reason to research for her new charity in the works. She is researching the benefits of occupational and physical therapy and the risk of low participation in social and leisure activities can further affect development, motivation, socialization. She is working with the authors of Determinants of Participation in Leisure Activities in Children and Youth with Cerebral Palsy.[2] McPhee’s autobiography is a way for readers to learn more about her personal and professional life, even though her personal life was hanging by a thread at the time. McPhee and her sister have big plans that are currently underway. They have been meeting with organizations to start a yearly charity event for special needs families. It is a way to raise money for the families but also get them involved in the community and hopefully make new friends in the process. The Event announcement will be released in the new year in association with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance.[3]
Awards
editShe has been the recipient of many awards, including in 2011 the Catholic Leadership Award [4] In 2009 and 2010, McPhee received the Dramatic Arts award of the year.[5]
Works Cited
edit- ^ WEB MD. "Understanding Cerebral Palsy -- the Basics". Retrieved 7 October 2015.
- ^ Thomas, Keiko; Majnemer, Annette. "Physical & Occupational Therapy". Retrieved 15 October 2015.
- ^ "Fundraising Events". Cerebral Palsy Alliance. Retrieved 20 October 2015.
- ^ "Leadership Award- CLA". Awards. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
- ^ "Dramatic Arts Award". Holy Trinity. Retrieved 17 October 2015.