| Character: Nikki Best Air Date: UK- January, 2002 Canda- 10 PM, Febuary 2, 2002 US- 9 PM, November 21, 2002 Special Notes: Sometime Kyley would get so into her role as Nikki that even when she was out of her wheelchair she would move and walk like Nikki would! |
| Nikki's Information: Age: 10-??? Special Notes: Nikki suffers from a rare neurological disorder called Rett Syndrome |
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| About Nikki: Ten-year-old Nikki Best is a beautiful girl. She has a magnetic personality, a wicked sense of humor, and an amazing range of expression. Nikki also suffers from a rare neurological disorder called Rett Syndrome, which only affects girls. There is no known cure for the syndrome and because of the disease, Nikki cannot speak more than a few words and cannot walk without assistance. Her disease is not well understood by people and many think Nikki is mentally handicapped. |
| About Society's Child: Society's Child is a CBC movie and has aired in Canada, the UK, and the US. Starring Jessica Steen as Terry, Nikki's mother, the movie tells a tale of a mother's unconditional love for her disabled daughter and determination to make sure Nikki is in control of her life and ultimately, her death. Terry is the system's worst nightmare. The single mother of seven children by numerous fathers, her ferocious intelligence belies her eight grade education. Terry knows the social system inside out and doesn't to fight for her rights and the rights of her children. When Nikki is diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, Terry struggles to learn all she can about the disease, becoming an expert at her own right and a fierce advocate for her daughter's treatment. When Nikki's health begins to decline, Terri's fight turns to her ultimate challenge- the battle for Nikki to have control over her own life, and ultimately, her death. Society's Child is a television movie that explores one of the most haunting questions that faces our modern society. When is it right to refuse medical intervention and let someone die? And, in the case of a child, one who is profoundly disabled- should that child actually have a choice in making this kind of decision? (most of this summery from CBC's website) |
| About Rett Syndrome: Rett Syndrome is believed to affect about 1 in every 10,000 females. The disorder is named for the Australian scientist who identified the syndrom in 1966. The syndrome is caused by a gene mutation. Girls with Rett Syndrome appear to devlop normally until 6 to 18 months of age. They then enter regression, losing any speech or hand skills they had acquired. Most devloped seizures, repetitive hand movements, body shaking/rocking, and irregular breathing. The girls also lose almost all ability to speak and their motor functions are severly impaired. |
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