Madam Speaker, a champion is someone who fights in spite of the unexpected challenges life throws at them and never gives up. A champion is someone like a young gymnast who has the courage to face a leg amputation with grace and grit and “give 'er,” because, Like Terry Fox before her, the osteosarcoma she once battled has suddenly returned.
This champ is #MaiaTheMighty from Truro, Nova Scotia. CHAMP also stands for child amputee. My niece, Maia Zann-Roland, is a rock star. At just 16, she is the bravest person I know.
I want to thank the surgeons and staff at the IWK children's health centre in Halifax, her coach Kim, the Truro Spartans and gymnastics teams across Canada for the support they have shown our champ. Thanks as well to Maia's many friends and our incredible community for the love and support. Just two weeks after surgery, Maia looks forward to rocking her bionic leg.