HIGH ACHIEVERS: Challenged by Prader-Willi Syndrome, anything was possible for Meagan Michie

By Martin Cleary

There are many words to describe Ottawa’s Meagan Michie and even these would only touch the surface – determined, strong, funny, vibrant, athletic, studious, joyful and competitive.

But behind every one of those character traits, she dealt with Prader-Willi Syndrome, thankfully under the ever-watchful eyes of her dedicated parents Anne Merklinger and Don Michie. Her many friends and colleagues fully understood Meagan and embraced her for who she was.

Prader-Willi is a rare genetic condition that leaves an individual with an insatiable appetite and the sense of never feeling full. When she lived at home, her parents carefully monitored her eating, which allowed her to explore and succeed in many different areas.

There also is an intellectual disability concept to Prader-Willi, but Michie was assessed as a high-functioning female.

When she lived at home, her parents needed to oversee her eating, which included having locks on cupboard drawers and the fridge. The syndrome took over while she lived on her own and she developed a number of medical issues, which included open-heart surgery almost a year ago. Michie spent her final six months in hospital and passed away on April 29 at The Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus. She was 36.

There will be a celebration of life for Michie on Sunday at the RCMP Curling Club, 115 St. Laurent Blvd., between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear bright colours.

Despite having Prader-Willi Syndrome, Michie crammed a full life into her three dozen years. If she wanted to try something, doctors and experts responded by saying she would never be able to do that. Michie knew differently and went ahead just the same.

Whatever she tried, she found success. She didn’t own “a too hard pile.” Instead, she believed “anything is possible.”

She was told she wouldn’t be an athlete. Instead, Michie followed in the footsteps of her mother, a Canadian national team swimmer for five years, and swam competitively for 13 years. She won multiple international medals and represented Canada twice at the World Special Olympic Games and also competed with the para national swimming team.

She was told she wouldn’t do well in school. Instead, Michie was an honour roll student at Osgoode Township High School for all four years. She received an academic scholarship to attend Algonquin College, earned two diplomas and received an academic award for the highest average.

She was told she wouldn’t work full time. Instead, Michie gained work experience at numerous part-time jobs before fulfilling her dream of full-time employment in 2023 with the Canada Revenue Agency, reaching the junior compliance programs officer level.

She was told she wouldn’t be able to live on her own. Instead, Michie was adamant about that and moved into a one-bedroom apartment in the winter of 2024.

“She was raised in an environment where anything is possible,” said Merklinger, who demonstrated that by shifting from swimming to becoming a prominent curler, winning four Tournament of Hearts national women’s championship medals, including the Canadian title and the world championship bronze in 1990 with skip Alison Goring.

“She was determined, resilient and lived her life to the fullest, doing everything possible. It was the kind of life we wanted for her. We have no regrets how we supported her.”

As a breaststroke, butterfly and individual medley swimmer, Michie achieved the rare accomplishment of qualifying as a Special Olympic (athlete with intellectual disabilities) and Paralympic (athlete with physical disabilities) athlete. Michie, who started swimming at age seven, came by her swimming talent naturally as Merklinger was on the Canadian national team from 1977-81.

The top level of athletic competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities is the Special Olympics World Games. Michie represented Canada at the 2015 Games in Los Angeles, winning one gold, one silver and two bronze medals in the pool. At the 2011 Special Olympics World Games in Athens, she brought home four gold medals.

She qualified to wear the Canadian colours at the 2014 Special Olympics National Games in Vancouver, earning four gold and two silver medals, and the 2010 nationals in London, collecting six silver medals.

Michie was a good all-around swimmer, but her talents went far beyond times and medals. She represented the Greater Ottawa Kingfish Swim Club and won its 3-C Award on three occasions (2004. 2007 and 2010) for her commitment, courage and consistency.

As a Paralympic program swimmer, she competed for Canada at the 2011 Parapan Am Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, and was a gold medallist at the Canadian swimming trials for the 2007 Parapan Am Games. She also was a gold-medal winner at the 2006 Canadian trials for the World Para Swimming Championships.

Michie swam for Ontario at the 2005 and 2009 Canada Summer Games and earned silver and bronze medals.

Towards the end of her athletic career, Michie ventured into cross-country skiing. She won two gold medals at the 2014 Winter Provincial Games and was on the 2016 Special Olympics Winter Nationals team in Corner Brook, NL.

Michie also was recognized four times at the Ottawa Sports Awards Dinner as the Special Olympics athlete of the year in 2005, 2009, 2011 and 2014.

Academically, Michie carried an average of 80 per cent or higher throughout her four years at Osgoode Township High School.

She earned an academic scholarship to attend Algonquin College and received diplomas in both office administration and office administration legal.

Michie also was a noted national and international speaker, telling the story about her highs and lows dealing with the challenges of Prader-Willi Syndrome. She also was involved in fundraisers for Prader-Willi Syndrome.

Besides swimming and working full time, Michie also was an active member of the Brookside Baptist Church, loved her cat Cleo, jigsaw puzzles, movies, chess, theme parks and fun fashion.

“Meagan was a wonderful athlete, advocate and source of inspiration to so many,” the Ontario Prader-Willi Syndrome Association wrote in a social media post. “She spoke at many conferences and events over the years, helping to educate and inspire PWS families.”

The Assad family called her “a phenomenal woman” for accomplishing so much in so many different areas.

“It is so evident how much she was loved and what a wonderful, beautiful job you all did as a family supporting her. Because of your endless love and devotion, she truly lived life to the absolute fullest and surpassed every expectation. You must be so proud of the vibrant life she lived.”