Deafblind Services Society
of British Columbia

Ryan folds 1000 Origami Cranes for peace.

Several months ago, Ryan who loves working with his hands to create things, learned to fold Origami Cranes with help from his Intervenor Mika. The paper crane is an international symbol of peace due to its connection to an old Japanese legend.

Just in time for his participation in the annual Vancouver Sun Run, Ryan completed making 1000 cranes .... and has made a mobile out of some of them to take on the Sun Run with him. Ryan, who has been Deafblind since birth, loves running and participates with the help of an intervenor in the Sun Run every year.

The paper crane became an international symbol of peace when an inspiring young Japanese girl who contracted leukemia when the atom bomb dropped on Hiroshima, followed an old Japanese legend and folded 1000 cranes. The legend said that anyone who folds a thousand paper cranes would be granted a wish. The little girl, an avid runner, began to fold them when her illness made it impossible for her run, with the hope she would complete a race again. She completed over 1000 cranes before dying at the age of 12, never giving up hope.

Ryan’s accomplishment in completing and running with his 1000 cranes is a wonderful example of how Deafblind people can do miraculous things when they set their mind to it and have their wishes come true.