Local Girl Selected to Help Light Up State Capitol Christmas Tree

On Dec. 2 Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. and First Lady Anne Gust Brown will kick off the holiday season with the 83rd Annual State Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Sacramento. This year, Kimie Metcalf from Inland Regional Center of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties (IRC), will stand side-by-side with Governor Brown to light the tree decorated with 10,000 ultra-low wattage LED lights and 900 ornaments created by persons with developmental disabilities. "IRC was there since Kimie was born. They were there for us from the beginning," Kristine Metcalf, Kimie's mom said. Kimie was born prematurely and faced many obstacles including a hole in her heart, blindness in her right eye and a diagnosis of total body involvement cerebral palsy. IRC began providing Early Start services to Metcalf and her family at birth. “Kimie is an ambassador of hope for more than 270,000 consumers in our state who receive services and support from DDS and the regional centers," said IRC Executive Director Carol Fitzgibbons. “Kimie has touched our hearts with her story in the Inland Empire – and we can’t wait to share her with the rest of the State. She will represent IRC beautifully in Sacramento – and we hope she has fun too.” "The toughest thing about all that I have been through was staying in the hospital and having to eat soy milk. I ignore the shots," Metcalf shared. At age 4, Metcalf was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia and turned her struggles into advocacy. Metcalf was honored as the recipient of the 2014 Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Woman of the Year award for raising $75,000 in 10 weeks to fund research for pediatric blood cancer. She is also the recipient of the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) Hometown Hero Award. Today, Metcalf receives services for her cerebral palsy through the Lanterman Developmental Services Act. "I want to tell all of the other kids who are struggling to never stop trying and stay strong," she said. "When I grow up I want to be a research doctor to find a cure for blood cancer." Metcalf loves going to school at Eagle Canyon Elementary in Chino Hills where she is a third-grader. She is known for her ear-to-ear grin. She enjoys playing soccer, camping and riding motorcycles with her parents, Craig and Kristine Metcalf, and older brother Reese. “We congratulate Kimie Metcalf for being selected to help the Governor light the tree during the ceremony,” said Director of the Department of Developmental Services Santi J. Rogers. “Kimie represents triumph over tragedy and optimism over despair, despite her many challenges. She enjoys a full life of school and activities in her community due to her supportive family and IRC.” This is the 32nd year a person with a developmental disability has accompanied the Governor for the tree lighting. While in Sacramento, Metcalf will also enjoy meet-and-greets with local, State and federal legislators, a VIP tour of the State Capitol Building, and celebrity treatment from the State legislative offices.