By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
CALEDONIA—Caledonia resident Molly ‘Blue’ Neal recently received quite a prestigious honour, being named one of 15 2023 Terry Fox Humanitarian Award winners across the country for their work in the community and indomitable spirit in the face of adversity.
Molly has spent their whole life so far in Caledonia, describing themselves as “very much a small-town kid,” and noting, “I grew up playing hockey on our local circuit, going to the fair every year, and spending lots of time at the library. I went to Assumption College School in Brantford and now attend the University of Guelph. I pride myself on being a horseback rider, lifelong learner, and advocate.”
Molly’s world changed dramatically in 2017 when their single mother became disabled as the result of a workplace injury, which created a series of adversities for their family to overcome, “After her injury, my mom was put off work. Having a secure income taken from our family placed us in a low-income bracket. This involved making sacrifices as a family.”
Molly said that the two of them learned to rely on each other through this difficult time, “My mother’s fight to regain legal benefits and her income is where I learned to advocate for the underprivileged.”
Additionally, Molly has dealt with a number of their own health issues over the course of their life as well, managing significant health issues due to seizures experienced as an infant and toddler, going through multiple ear surgeries and speech therapy training throughout their childhood, and dealing with a series of lifelong autoimmune disorders.
“Luckily, as a kid, you bounce back quickly, and I had a very determined and knowledgeable team of doctors. Later in my life, the immune disorder onslaught began. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease at 11, which, while currently managed, is a progressive disease. It, alongside other suspected but undiagnosed things, has caused flares of pain, fatigue, and joint issues.”
While for some, this list of challenges might seem insurmountable, Molly has refused to succumb to the many curveballs life has thrown them, instead finding inspiration in them.
“Balancing a healthy lifestyle is paramount for managing my body and I have found that active volunteering does wonders for my mental and physical health. Community support and a sense of belonging are an amazing springboard for growth and a gentle motivation to overcome challenges.”
They spoke about the approach that has carried them through life so far, “I always had to be realistic with my goals. Being in a single-parent family with a sibling, there is only so much that can be done. However, I am beyond blessed to have a strong support system between the-more-adult adults in my life, friends at various organizations, and doctors who believed my health concerns. This furthers my determination and resilience and has been the foundation for finding a purpose in my life. I have learned to pace myself and take time to rest when needed so I can engage wholeheartedly in everything that holds importance to me.”
So, just what does hold importance to Molly? Many things, it turns out.
Molly was a key figure in the establishment of the first Gender-Sexuality Alliance in their school district, working with a committee of students and teachers, providing a community space for queer students and completing projects aimed at making their school more inclusive for all.
“My work involved writing a proposal to establish inclusive washrooms, creating the basis of a mural to be painted on the wall, and a proposal to the (school) board administration to raise the pride flag during June, which was unfortunately rejected,” said Molly.
They also helped organize the Delegation of United Nations at their school, a group aimed at involving students in international political affairs and deepening their passions for international issues.
But perhaps the thing Molly is most proud of is their volunteer work for the Equestrian Association for the Disabled (TEAD) in Mount Hope, where they have accrued more than 600 volunteer hours.
In addition to barn work, and attending to the horse’s needs, Molly also helps to “walk the horse safely through the lesson and as a side-walker to provide physical and communication support to a rider. With mindfulness programs, I provide support to the instructor while teaching mindfulness techniques and supporting positive relationships between a horse and their participant.”
Molly said that helping others overcome disadvantages and injustices is incredibly important to them, “I understand how important it is to have a support system and advocates when it seems all too overwhelming to do alone. Creating spaces to uplift people, like the Gender-Sexuality Alliance, and helping facilitate programs at TEAD are everyday reminders that there are concrete actions myself and others can take to mitigate the effects of facing hardships.”
They continued, “When changing the entire world seems like too daunting a task, I can instead change people. I can change their world. Seeing young LGBTQ+ students open up and embrace their identities through the Gender-Sexuality Alliance, feeling people’s passion for world issues radiate through the model United Nations, and hearing stories from disabled riders and their parents about how it raises their confidence and self-esteem are rewarding in their own right and propel me further into humanitarian justice.“
Currently, Molly is working towards a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, with plans to apply to the Ontario Veterinary College, “As a vet, I want to provide affordable animal care to underserviced communities and provide equine health support to the therapeutic riding barns which have such deep impacts on their riders and volunteers. I would like to continue doing charitable work through riding associations and offer my services to supplement the amazing care they already receive so they can enjoy a long life! Animals are a joyous, central part of my life and I want to extend those feelings to as many people as possible while removing at least one of the financial barriers which prevent people from their companionship.”
Molly said they were shocked to find out they were a Terry Fox award recipient, “Once I was told I had been selected, I excitedly paced around my house calling everyone who supported me to tell them! It felt like a full-circle moment that we all got to share in the joy.”
They concluded, “This award represents to me a commitment to equality and furthering aid to those facing barriers, in the spirit of Terry Fox’s legacy. Each of us is running a marathon a day in our own way, and having supporters run alongside us enables us to keep going. This award is both a support to me and a motivation to keep running alongside others. I am very honoured to be selected and grateful to everyone who has been running at my side throughout my life.”
Molly requested that we share a link where interested readers can donate to TEAD. To do so, visit their site at canadahelps.org/en/dn/58348?v2 or through their website tead.on.ca.
The Press congratulates Molly on their many accomplishments and for their unquenchable desire to make the community they live in a better, more inclusive place for all.
