After a struggle, the best gift ever.

PositionNEWS

Byline: Ellie Oleson

COLUMN: TELEGRAM & GAZETTE SANTA

Life changed horribly for former Millbury High School basketball standout Steven Russell Bott in 1990, then life changed in the best way possible when he welcomed his first child 22 months ago.

Mr. Bott is one of the largest individual donors to the Telegram & Gazette Santa Fund. This year's donation arrived from Cecilia Ann Bott in honor of prisoners of war and those missing in action.

"Cecilia Ann is a joy. She arrived on February 13, 2011, a half hour before Valentine's Day. It took 42 years to get her. I wouldn't trade this experience for the world. I wish everyone could understand the joy I feel every time I see her. Her mom, Dawn Zeek, loves her too," he said.

He was a star athlete a quarter century ago, when he helped lead Millbury High to the state finals in 1986. Then on Oct. 26, 1990, he fell 50 feet from scaffolding at work at Norton Co. in Worcester. He was in a coma for six weeks, and was left with some paralysis on the right side.

After years of rehabilitation and hard work, he has gone on with his life. He volunteers at the Elmwood Street School, though he spends less time there now that he is a dad.

"I have priorities. When I go and see the other children, I think of her," he said.

He said Cecilia has also changed the lives of his parents, George and Christine A. Bott of Millbury.

"My father turned 81 in May. He's a baby hog. My mother doesn't get to hold Cecilia when my father's around."

He said the Bott family donation honors MIAs and POWs, including his uncle Russell P. Bott, who remains missing in action from the Vietnam War. Russell Bott's brother, Fred Bott, was killed in the Korean War while serving with his brother George.

"I never got to meet my uncles. I wish Cecilia and I could meet my Uncle Russell," Mr. Bott said.

At least now, he has given his father joy through the birth of his daughter.

"Cecilia has added years to my father's life. He's so happy. My daughter's beautiful. She's the best gift I could have," Mr. Bott said.

He said he hopes the donation from Cecilia to the T&G Santa can bring joy to other children.

"I want other children to be as happy as she is," he said.

In its 74th year, the T&G Santa Fund collects thousands of donations from generous readers and area residents to help buy toys for children in need in Central Massachusetts.

Children 12 and younger who would otherwise not receive any holiday gifts are eligible to receive at least two toys...

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