Azeem Kayum

Azeem suffered a spinal cord injury at birth, which resulted in severe neurological damage. He spent his first year at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.

His condition is very rare and is known as Ondine's Curse - Ondine being a Greek Goddess. Azeem continues to defy all the medical and educational odds. On four separate occasions Azeem's "miracle" has been featured in the Toronto Star. In 1996 he was the recipient of the Anne and Ed Mirvish Achievement Award for Young People in recognition of his “ Courage, Resilience, Devotion and Determination”.

Despite being labeled multiple handicapped/borderline slow learner, Azeem graduated with honours in Radio Broadcasting from Seneca College in Toronto. He attended public and high schools in York Region and is currently studying for a degree in “Communications” at Athabasca University through their distance learning program.

Azeem walks with a distinct limp and continues to require nighttime ventilation because his brain does not receive the message to breathe during sleep. He wears a tracheotomy, which is connected to a respirator during sleep and when he has severe chest infections.

In May 2004, Azeem completed his autobiography "Wrestling with the Goddess - A Personal Odyssey" in which he candidly shares his experiences growing up with disabilities.

Shortly after the publication of his autobiography, he commenced a career in Motivational Speaking. He has delivered over 100 presentations to approximately 50,000 students, teachers and school administrators. Azeem has been targeting the student population with the fervent hope of changing attitudes. Based on his challenging life experiences, he believes that he can be a role model of hope, courage, confidence, perseverance and high self-esteem.

The reflections Azeem received after presentations indicate that he is indeed fulfilling his objective of making a difference in the attitudes of students.

The Bank of Nova Scotia supports Azeem's motivational speaking career by donating ten copies of Azeem's book to each school that invites him to speak.

He has also done a few Corporate presentations and these have also been very well received.

In June 2006, he was the Tribute speaker at Seneca College 's Convocation, where he addressed graduates of the Schools of Early Children Education, Communication Arts, Computer Studies and English and Liberal Studies.

In June 2007, he will be the speaker at Centennial College 's Convocation where he will be addressing graduates of the School of Community and Health Studies.

Azeem also received the York Region Character Advocate Award at the Council's inaugural event in March 2007. He was chosen from a group of outstanding citizens who are involved in the promotion of character development. As a result of this Award he was selected as an Associate Member of Character Community Council of York Region.

Throughout his life Azeem has been demonstrating remarkable levels of discipline, responsibility, initiative, empathy, courage and relentless perseverance and these character traits have contributed significantly to his success.

Azeem can be reached at azeem@sympatico.ca | 905-294-4800 | www.azeemkayum.com