Kaitlyn Elizabeth Rose Bates wasn’t just a real cutie and delight to be around (mostly at home) she remains an inspiration to so many thanks to her mom Mary and father Doug.
Leaving this world at age 7 due to a tragic car accident on July 11, 2011, we will never know the AMAZING things she would have accomplished in adulthood yet are sure they would have been just as Awesome.
Kaitlyn (Katie) was an aspiring fashion designer. In fact, just about a month before she died, she created four eco-type fashion designs for her Barbie dolls using some leaves she found in her yard and fashioned clothing for the dolls.
Kaitlyn also felt strongly about the environment and loved doing artwork. In fact, often combined the two. One day Kaitlyn made a dress out of a garbage bag and wore it while riding her bike with high heels. She was a real character. A very quiet girl at school she had a lively personality at home.
As the second child after her brother Ryan
who has autism, Kaitlyn suffered from anxiety and selective mutism. She spoke
to only a few friends at her school, but her intellectual ability was actually found
to be two years ahead for her age. After attending a group program at Kinark Child and Family Services called Fear Busters, Kaitlyn was starting
to get braver. Had she had more time she may have overcome all her life
obstacles.
Katie always wanted to be famous. She also enjoyed music and liked writing songs so planned on being a song writer or a fashion designer.
The family created a garden for Kaitlyn around her favourite tree in the back yard. They celebrated at the garden on Kaitlyn’s eighth birthday. Doing these things for her daughter has helped her mom and family through the grieving process.
Mary made a promise to her daughter to help her achieve her dreams by trying to have the designs seen by someone in the fashion industry. She contacted several people in the industry. She didn’t expect the designs to be created or sold, just to be acknowledged with some kind of comment. The process of trying to help her daughter in this way helped her in the grieving process.
Her father with the assistance of Big Brothers of Northumberland founded the Kaitlyn Bates Initiative to help other children including those who may be “at risk” in developing self-esteem.
In the spirit of remembrance and honor, it's important to acknowledge the profound impact that individuals, no matter their age, can have on their communities and the lives of others. Kaitlyn was the perfect angel for this month, her birthday month.
Unfortunately, with the Pandemic coming and the Big Brother Organization evolving into Durham Northumberland Big Brothers /Big Sisters things have slowed to a halt recently. Whether it resurfaces again or not... it served the purpose it was meant to... Honouring the memory of a Very Special Young Lady the world lost way too soon.
