The morning of Wednesday, March 22, 1978, stands out vividly for Suzette White.
After days of excruciating pain and countless tests at the then Peterborough Civic Hospital, she found herself in labour — three weeks ahead of her due date. Suzette was quickly transferred to Toronto General Hospital, where she gave birth to her son Adam later that evening.
Despite the difficulties of their first pregnancy, Adam’s arrival was a moment of joy and laughter for Suzette and her husband Glen. It also marked the start of an extraordinary journey for the family that took them through the doors of Five Counties Children’s Centre in Peterborough.
It wasn’t always easy. In his first few months, Adam’s physical development seemed to lag behind his peers — something that didn’t escape the notice of his parents. Sitting upright was a struggle for Adam, crawling seemed impossible, and milestones came slowly to him.
Concerned, the Whites sought answers from their family doctor, who referred them to pediatrician Dr. Mary Thain. It was Dr. Thain who first uttered the words “cerebral palsy,” explaining that Adam’s difficulties likely stemmed from a lack of oxygen at birth — a diagnosis that, while bewildering and daunting for the Whites, also had an upside.
“Getting the diagnosis, it was for me at least a bit of a relief,” Glen says. “Now there’s an issue, now there’s an approach on how we can deal with it. Not knowing is, in my mind, the worst.”
The Whites’ introduction to Five Counties came in December 1978, courtesy of Dr. Thain’s referral. Five Counties physiotherapist Karen Bowen was the first to guide 10-month-old Adam through his initial therapy sessions. The Centre soon became a lifeline for the Whites, offering not just medical expertise but compassion, patience, and hope.
For Glen, that last point was everything: “Hope, to me, hope … if you’ve got that, you’ve got a future.”
Suzette recalls the gentle care Adam received, and how Five Counties staff — Karen, Barb Purdie, Sharon White, Sue Russell, and Darlene Callan — opened doors to a brighter future for her son.
Over the next 19 years, Adam’s life would be shaped by the Centre’s unwavering support. When he was six, a major surgery at Toronto Sick Children’s Hospital, arranged through Five Counties, helped improve his mobility. The ordeal of metal plates and screws in his legs was tough, but the results were transformative. Adam’s resilience grew, and so did his independence.
Sports and recreation became an avenue for Adam’s growth. Through Five Counties’ programs, he tried swimming, skiing, tae kwon do, and track and field. A highlight was his participation in the Metropolitan Toronto Police Games at Variety Village, a source of pride for both Adam and his parents.
Later, Adam discovered a passion for sledge hockey, joining the Five Counties Blazers and eventually coaching the team. The camaraderie and sense of achievement he found on the ice were invaluable, and when the team transitioned to the Kawartha Blazers Sledge Hockey Association, Adam continued to inspire others as a coach.
VIDEO: The White’s Story: How Five Counties Changed One Family’s Life
Adam’s involvement didn’t stop there. He volunteered for summer programs, joined the Teen Committee, and even created the teen newsletter, sharing his experiences and encouraging younger children. He would go on to a career in education, where he continues to nurture and support young minds.
For Suzette, the Centre also became a place of purpose. She volunteered for fundraising campaigns, worked in the Foundation office, and served on the Board of Directors (something Adam would also do).
Reflecting on nearly five decades, Suzette describes Five Counties as a “godsend, miracle … it was like a second home” and a place that educated, sustained, and uplifted her family. The friendships forged with other parents facing similar challenges brought joy and relief, reminding them they were not alone.
“Cerebral palsy is not a gift,” Suzette notes, “but we accepted the bumps and difficulties along the way with Five Counties, which was, and still is, a fabulous and generous godsend today for so many!”
As Five Counties marks its 50th anniversary, the White family’s story stands as a power testament to what can be done together. For Adam, Glen, and Suzette, the journey continues — marked by gratitude for the dedication, love, and support that helped them overcome every obstacle.
Five Counties is grateful to have been part of the ride!
