Janice Hatt
Hometown: Trenton, Nova Scotia
Janice was raised in Trenton, Nova Scotia. As a paraplegic, due
to unknown childhood spinal nerve damage, Janice has been inspired
by Rick Hansen since she was a child. At nine years old, she
presented the funds raised by the town of Trenton to Rick in the
original Man In Motion Tour. A photo of Janice and Rick hung on her
bedroom wall and has been a continuous reminder of motivation since
she first shook Rick's hand.
"Meeting Rick was an amazing experience that changed my life, he
is a true inspiration and living proof that nothing should ever get
in the way of your dreams and there are no obstacles too big to
overcome" Janice said. "I live my life by that same motto every
day."
In 2005 Janice's husband's new career sent her family across
Canada to Port Alberni, BC (ironically where Rick was born). The
same photo hung on her wall on the west coast until the picture was
lost during the move back to Nova Scotia in 2006. For Janice, Rick
Hansen is her hero and a real difference maker in her life.
Janice is an advocate for accessibility and equality for those
who face challenges such as herself. She gives input on many
accessibility issues in her community, including writing letters to
newspapers, as well as to local business and employers to address
these concerns. Janice has volunteered at the local hospital and
used her creative talents at a local school to help students
explore creativity through various art projects. As an artist in
painting and hand-crafted jewellery, Janice has donated much of her
work to raise funds for various causes. Janice has also used her
online marketing skills to create awareness of the Rick Hansen
Relay in for the Town of New Glasgow which neighbours her hometown
of Trenton, NS
Janice is honoured to take in the Rick Hansen Relay 25 years
later, only this time her husband and three children will be
standing with her. The town of Trenton found the archived photo of
Janice and Rick, and her inspirational image was returned.
A nine year old Janice Hatt waits to present Rick Hansen
with funds raised by the Town of Trenton during the original Man in
Motion World Tour.
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