A Guelph resident is one of 14 recipients of the 2024 Terry Fox Humanitarian Award.
Alexandra Elmsley, a student at Western University in London, Ontario, was diagnosed with severe attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) when she was eight years old.
But that didn’t stop her from pursuing a degree in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, where she was awarded a Scholars Elective.
Elmslie, who was recognized for her support and advocacy for people with ADHD and other “invisible disabilities,” said she was excited when she learned she had received the award.
“I was in the middle of a CPR recertification class when I got the call,” Elmsley said. “I walked out of the room and they told me they were impressed.”
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Elmsley added that the woman who told her about the award suffers from ADHD herself and thinks she has done some amazing work.
In addition to his studies, Elmsley finds time to teach music to disadvantaged youth, coach a Special Olympics swim team, and assist with therapeutic horseback riding programs.
The Terry Fox Humanitarian Program provides scholarships to those who embody the humanitarian ideals of Terry Fox through volunteerism and giving back to their communities.
Elmsley was in Paris, France, when the award was presented last week, but she said it was an honor to receive the prize and be part of a group of people who have overcome the same obstacles as she has.
“It’s more of a community,” Elmslie said. “You get this gathering of like-minded people who are all amazing humanitarian volunteers in the community, and that’s probably one of the coolest parts.”
Elmsley said her family was also excited when they learned she was listed as one of the winners.
“They were all so excited for me, and they were all so proud of me. I've been looking forward to this award and working towards it for a long time, and it feels like a goal of mine has finally come true.”
© 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
