Like all Ottawa graduates, Makenzie Cannon’s hopes for a personal degree and prom have been dashed due to the pandemic.
Cannon, 20, has Down syndrome and is graduating from St. Patrick’s High School this spring.
“COVID is tough, I don’t see anyone,” Cannon said.
Her mother Tina Cannon says her daughter was looking forward to going to her prom.
“It’s the last year and then all the big moments happen,” says Tina. “Makenzie loved her prom … so I decided to talk to my husband and say, ‘She’s getting this prom.’ We’ll do it at home. Just because she can’t go out and do it doesn’t mean she can’t have a prom. “
Tina posted on Facebook this week asking for suggestions of a local limo driver they could hire. Within a few moments, the community responded with offers of help.
“It all started with this limo post. By (Wednesday) morning there were 985 people who linked and commented,” Tina said.
Tina Cannon says she couldn’t believe the responses from the post.
“People want to send her cards; I got people who offered to pay for the limo. I’ve offered people to buy her a dress…. People offer to pay for their flowers and say, ‘No girl should have to buy her own flowers. ‘”
Both the Ottawa Carleton District School Board and the Ottawa Catholic School Board say they will be running virtual graduations. The boards are looking for ways to allow graduates to go to their school, wear a cap and gown, and have their picture taken while they get their diploma.
The Cannon family says they will follow provincial guidelines on what is allowed in their garden in hopes of holding the party in early July.
“I’m excited,” says Makenzie.
Tina Cannon says she is overwhelmed with the willingness of the community to help make the day special for her daughter.
“It feels good to know that there are good hearts and that people care,” said Cannon.
“If all these amazing things come out of it, this year is definitely worth it. Yes, it was tough. But the end will be so much better.”