Living with a severe seizure disorder, Kaden can get the essential equipment he needs thanks to your support.
Though he is only 14 years old, Kaden has already faced a lifetime of challenges.
Born with a rare genetic deletion, Kaden was diagnosed at a very young age with multiple developmental and physical disabilities that would inhibit his development. Nevertheless, Kaden and his family worked hard to overcome the barriers set by his disabilities. Such as holding one’s head up by themselves—an ability many of us take for granted, but a struggle for Kaden to learn.
Eventually though, through his family’s support and his own dedication, Kaden could proudly hold his head up high by himself. By the time he was old enough for junior kindergarten, Kaden was well on his way in finding his capabilities—as well as a sense of well-being. Aida, Kaden’s mother, recalls, “He was a happy little guy.”
When he was only 6 years old, Kaden experienced a seizure. Then another. More seizures followed, eventually escalating into a severe seizure disorder that devastated Kaden’s development.
“It has changed both of our lives in so many ways. Kaden is more comfortable; he’s safer.”
Many of Kaden’s abilities, ones that he had put in hard work and effort to learn, started to disappear. This setback reversed the progress he was making, leaving a mental toll on him and his family.
“Kaden lost his ability to use his hands. He lost his ability to hold his head up,” says Aida. “All of the things that we worked so hard for over the first half of his life were taken away from him, seemingly overnight. It’s heartbreaking.”
Due to the challenges presented by the severe seizure disorder, much of Kaden’s time these days is spent in bed. But on the good days, Kaden loves to spend a few hours at Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto. Many aspects of his life are easier and more enjoyable now thanks to the equipment he has been able to access with support from Easter Seals Ontario’s Equipment Funding Program.
You can help more kids like Kaden. Please consider making a gift today.
With mobility, bathroom, and accessibility aids such as his walker, his shower commode, and a van lift and tie down system (essential for the trips to the aquarium), Kaden has found more empowerment in his life, enabling him to safely follow daily routines while giving relief to his primary caregiver, Aida.
Speaking about Kaden’s most recent equipment, the Ceiling Track Lift & Sling, Aida says:
“It has changed both of our lives in so many ways. Kaden is more comfortable; he’s safer. If he has a seizure, he’s in a sling and I’m able to support him versus holding on the weight.”The sling has helped Aida’s comfort and health as well, preventing her from potential injury.
“My neck and back have literally improved within two days of having the sling,” she says. “I feel much better waking up in the morning and not feeling the level of soreness that I’d learned to live with.”
“It has changed both of our lives in so many ways. Kaden is more comfortable; he’s safer.”
The equipment that has improved the quality of life for Kaden and Aida made possible through the generous donors who support the Easter Seals Ontario’s Equipment Funding Program.
“Easter Seals Ontario has always really been there for Kaden,” says Aida. “Helping us meet those milestones, helping us with everything for special needs that cost an arm and a leg, and you will not get away without.”
Thank you to the generous donors who make it possible for Easter Seals Ontario to support Kaden. Your contributions help ensure that he and other kids living with physical disabilities have more freedom and opportunity to live their own lives each day.