Meeka Rowat - Winter 2005

Who’s warming up Elkhart Lake, WI, this winter with her sunny disposition? Meeka Rowat, that’s who. In a recent interview, the bubbly third grader filled us in with what’s going on in her busy life.

For starters, Meeka just turned nine January 10. She and her family and friends, about 10 people total, celebrated with a birthday bowling party. Everyone had a great time, especially the birthday girl, who bowled “lots of strikes!”

When it comes to school, Meeka’s favorite subjects are art, music, writing, gym and “computers.” Outside of school, she loves to draw and paint and likes to dance. She’s also teaching herself to play the piano.

Meeka also attends hippo therapy classes every Tuesday, where she works with her horse, Zeus. (“Hippo” is actually the Greek word for “horse,” and in hippo therapy, which is a type of physical therapy, the horses’ movements help strengthen the patients’ muscles and improve circulation. The one-on-one contact with the horse is emotionally therapeutic, too.) She’s also taking dressage 4lessons, where she’s learning riding techniques and how to care for Zeus.

When she’s not busy with school or spending time with Zeus, Meeka  takes care of her fish, Nemo, and kitten, President George, whom she claims is a “cutie.”

Meeka and her family are relatively new to CCA. In fact, her first retreat was last summer in Tempe. She had a blast and made some good friends. Her favorite part was riding the camel in the desert just outside Tempe. She also had a great time at the party on the last night. She and her family also participated in the CCA Midwest Holiday party in Kenosha.

And through CCA, Meeka had the opportunity to meet Cher. She went to one of her concerts and met her backstage before the show. Cher even had a picture of Meeka in her dressing room. At this concert, Meeka sat right in front of the microphone, close by the dancers. She had a great time at the show, and, of course, is now one of Cher’s biggest fans. “It’s really nice that Cher helps families,” she said.

Meeka has Goldenhar Syndrome and has had jaw surgery recently in Chicago at the Shriners Hospital. This will be her second surgery so far. She’s doing well. Her advice to others going into surgery is “Don’t worry or be scared, because everyone will take care of you.”

She also has some great advice for questions curious people may have. She said, “Just answer the questions. When people stare, they just want to know ‘why.’”

If you would like to share your story with CCA, please send an email to Annie Reeves at areeves@ccakids.com. If your story is chosen, with your permission, we will edit and publish it in the CCA newsletter, on the Web site or use it for public awareness programs. Not all stories will be selected.

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