StarBulletin.com

School fair celebrates differences and survival


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POSTED: Friday, February 26, 2010

Ten-year-old Maile Ogata, who has had multiple surgeries for a rare congenital condition, will be one of the special performers at a “;celebration”; from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow at Washington Middle School.

Her mother, Cindy, formerly was a counselor at the school, and students there “;adopted”; Maile when she was diagnosed with Apert syndrome, characterized by malformations of the skull, midface, hands and feet.

The school holds a free public fair each year called “;Maile's Dream: A Celebration of Differences”; to raise awareness of people with different abilities.

The first “;Celebration of Differences”; was held five years ago. Part of the proceeds go to the Easter Seals Hawaii's Early Intervention Program.

Maile, a fourth-grader at Aliamanu Elementary School, had six surgeries before she was 3. Others followed to correct deficiencies, and another major surgery is still ahead this summer or next in California, her mother said.

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Christine Routon, student activities coordinator at Washington Middle School, said Maile “;socially is doing pretty well,”; adding, “;She has some issues because her school has a large transient population, and she has to start over every year. It's a struggle for her.”;

But she said Maile's parents, Cindy and Ernest, “;do wonders for her self-esteem.”;

Maile will perform with the Star of the Sea Li'l Stars at 9:15 a.m. tomorrow and in “;A Class Act”; with Mitchell Kouchi, Hawaii Special Star Winner 2008, at 9:45.

Crafts, games and other activities, food and a silent auction will be featured.