GAIL WHITE Easter Seals child ambassador dreams of career

"I want to be a doctor," says Sabrina Welce, child ambassador for Easter Seals.
"What kind of doctor," her mother, Kelly Blucker, asks.
"Feed the baby animals," the 5-year-old responds with resolve.
Kelly turns to me and explains that Sabrina saw a television show where veterinarians were feeding baby tigers from bottles. Sabrina was enthralled by the show and has wanted to become a veterinarian ever since.
"I wish," Sabrina says wistfully with a smile that already has captured my heart.
I am sitting in the living room watching this beautiful, spunky, little girl move busily about, playing with her toys.
Sabrina has cerebral palsy. A four-pronged cane sits in the corner of the room. Without it, Sabrina walks on her knees.
"She has a very mild case of cerebral palsy," Sabrina's grandmother, Janice Blucker explains.
Born three months premature, weighing only 2 pounds, 1 1/2 ounces, Sabrina suffered bleeding on both sides of her brain. Her motor skills were affected.
Through her work at the Easter Seals, Sabrina has graduated from a walker to the four-pronged cane. Her therapists are hopeful that she will not need any walking assistance in a few years.
Secrets revealed: "Sabrina has a secret," grandma sings.
Sabrina twirls around, her long blond hair swinging around her.
"She walked without her cane at school," grandma whispers.
Sabrina bears a look of shock at her secret being revealed.
Grandma sings again, "Sabrina has another secret."
The 5-year-old's hands cover her mouth. She is excited.
"She held a basketball without her cane, threw it up and made a basket," grandma reveals.
As we congratulate Sabrina on her accomplishment, she busies herself with more toys.
A little table and chair are her interest at the moment. She places a baby doll on the chair.
"You stay here," she says to the doll. Then, turning to face the stairs, she hollers, "Mecock!"
Uncertain of what she is saying, I turn to Mom.
"Mecock is her imaginary friend," Kelly informs me. Kelly has no idea where the name came from.
"What does Mecock look like?" Kelly asks her daughter.
"Pink hair and a black nose," Sabrina quickly responds. "He stays little," she adds. Kelly informs me that Mecock has a walker, too.
"How do you spell 'Mecock?'" I ask Sabrina.
She puts her finger to her cheek, thinking, and responds, "1,2."
As we chuckle at her response, this charming child is "kneeing" across the floor in search of another toy.
She's a star: As the Easter Seals child ambassador, Sabrina has become somewhat of a celebrity.
Photo shoots and special events have become weekly occurrences.
"She's learning how to pose," Janice says. "She puts her hand against her face."
As if on cue, Sabrina, sitting on the floor, strikes her photo pose.
She is perfect.
"They wouldn't let you do that for your school picture," Janice smiles. "What did they say to you?"
"Hold the fence," Sabrina says, in a pouty voice.
Again, we laugh at her sweet innocence.
In less than a month, Sabrina and I and fellow columnist Diane Murphy will be walking down a runway for the Angels of Easter Seals and Kaufmann's Spring Fashion Show and Luncheon.
Nearly 1,000 women from the community will attend the show, helping to raise nearly $25,000 for Easter Seals.
Sabrina won't understand all the facts and figures.
She won't understand all the work and support these women represent.
What she will understand -- or will come to understand -- is how it all helped make her wishes come true.
gwhite@vindy.com
XFor information about the Angels Fashion Show, call (330) 743-1168.