Alyse Schacter of Ottawa

16 year-old honoured for achievements despite severe OCD

A Grade 11 honour roll student; a budding philanthropist; and an active volunteer – not what you would expect of a 16-year-old with severe, treatment-resistant Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).                 

Alyse Schacter was 12 years old when she became unable to perform everyday tasks. She began scratching her skin, digging her nails into her thighs, and expressing that voices in her head were hurting her. Alyse was suddenly unable to get from her locker to class because she couldn’t step on the cracks of the floor without starting the journey over again which resulted in her being late for class or incapable of attending. Alyse was diagnosed with OCD.

After completing Grade 7 and 8 in a hospital school, Alyse was able to attend Canterbury High School after deciding she wanted to reintegrate into a mainstream school despite the fact that none of her treatments had worked.  She managed to complete Grade 9 and the first semester of Grade 10 until she became too ill to carry on. She was hospitalized for five months.

Alyse is plagued by thousands of rituals that adhere themselves to every task she must undertake, from showering to reading. She hears an obsessive voice in her head that insists that she repeat certain movements and tasks or repeat incantations. Alyse is also affected by Tourette’s Syndrome, which has her making strange facial contortions and ticks. She spends up to eight hours a day doing rituals while also attending school, completing assignments, and handling a social life. However, Alyse does not allow her OCD to define her life.

Alyse was open about her illness, even in the intimidating surroundings of a classroom. Alyse asked her parents to speak to her Grade 7 class and explain her illness. After the discussion, her classmates started taking turns carrying her to class so her feet would no longer touch the floor. On another occasion, Alyse spoke with 90 girls who would be in her unit at sleep-away summer camp to explain her illness. She held everyone’s attention, and afterwards they asked many questions and discussed how to respond to her compulsions.

On her birthdays, Alyse organizes gifts of stuffed animals and videos that she donates to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. She tutors kids with special needs and volunteers at various hospitals, soup kitchens, and retirement homes. On top of these efforts, Alyse and her sister Cara raised $8,000 for the Make A Wish Foundation. Alyse perseveres in spite of an illness that never leaves her. Every action and gesture is a struggle.

“She has a spark and an enthusiasm for life that makes her a natural leader,” said Alyse’s cousin and nominator, Paula Agulnik. “The challenges faced every moment of every day by this gentle spirit make her accomplishments all the more remarkable.”

Alyse has the courage and strength to ‘come back’ every day.

 

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