Dave Dame's Story: Overcoming Obstacles with Humour and Grace

March 26, 2019

On Friday, March 22, the John McGivney Children (JMCC) welcomed Dave Dame, former JMCC client, back to the Centre for a presentation and Q&A session. Families, staff and community members gathered to laugh at Dame’s punchlines and learn from his inspiring story about developing independence, overcoming obstacles and achieving goals as a person living with cerebral palsy.

“The Centre is where I learned the fundamental skills and academics to begin a journey of struggle as I progressed in my life,” says Dame, who received therapy services and attended summer camp at JMCC. He was also a student at the JMCC School Authority. “One of the best opportunities my journey has given me is to give back and help make a path for others.”

Dame emphasizes the importance of becoming vulnerable in order to gain independence and for him, this involved being the only person with disabilities at a public high school, attending an out-of-town sleepaway camp, enrolling in postsecondary school away from home and entering a workforce that was unprepared for his special needs. In each case, he recognizes his parents and the supportive people who helped ease the self-doubt he may have had, including JMCC therapists and staff.

“Growing up the way I did gave me a career I never imagined,” says Dame of his professional journey, which has led to his current position as Vice President, Enterprise Coach and Leadership Coach at Scotiabank Canada. “I’m someone who’s always had to find unique and different ways to do things.”

His unique abilities and approach to life have allowed Dame to help organizations identify and surpass their shortcomings in order to become more successful, agile and inclusive.

Dame offered words of wisdom for families who are experiencing similar challenges to the ones he has overcome. “It’s not going to be easy. You have to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. I had to learn to embrace my fears and once I embraced my vulnerability, it made me stronger than I ever thought I could be,” says Dame.

We are proud that our staff and Centre created a platform for Dame to begin his wonderful life and excited that he returned with his wife and family to educate (and entertain!) us by sharing his wisdom, his journey and his achievements. On Friday, March 22, the John McGivney Children (JMCC) welcomed Dave Dame, former JMCC client, back to the Centre for a presentation and Q&A session. Families, staff and community members gathered to laugh at Dame’s punchlines and learn from his inspiring story about developing independence, overcoming obstacles and achieving goals as a person living with cerebral palsy.

“The Centre is where I learned the fundamental skills and academics to begin a journey of struggle as I progressed in my life,” says Dame, who received therapy services and attended summer camp at JMCC. He was also a student at the JMCC School Authority. “One of the best opportunities my journey has given me is to give back and help make a path for others.”

Dame emphasizes the importance of becoming vulnerable in order to gain independence and for him, this involved being the only person with disabilities at a public high school, attending an out-of-town sleepaway camp, enrolling in postsecondary school away from home and entering a workforce that was unprepared for his special needs. In each case, he recognizes his parents and the supportive people who helped ease the self-doubt he may have had, including JMCC therapists and staff.

“Growing up the way I did gave me a career I never imagined,” says Dame of his professional journey, which has led to his current position as Vice President, Enterprise Coach and Leadership Coach at Scotiabank Canada. “I’m someone who’s always had to find unique and different ways to do things.”

His unique abilities and approach to life have allowed Dame to help organizations identify and surpass their shortcomings in order to become more successful, agile and inclusive.

Dame offered words of wisdom for families who are experiencing similar challenges to the ones he has overcome. “It’s not going to be easy. You have to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. I had to learn to embrace my fears and once I embraced my vulnerability, it made me stronger than I ever thought I could be,” says Dame.

We are proud that our staff and Centre helped create a platform for Dame to begin his wonderful life and excited that he returned with his wife and family to educate (and entertain!) us by sharing his wisdom, his journey and his achievements.