For Wesley, a specialized bath seat has transformed an everyday routine into a safer, happier experience for the whole family.
Most 3-year-olds can’t call themselves experienced drivers, but Wesley is already an expert at zooming around the house in his favourite ride-on police car. “The steering wheel actually turns the wheels,” explains Wesley’s mom, Kassandra.
Wesley also has a soft spot for rubber ducks and loves spending time outside, especially in the pool. His two older siblings absolutely adore him and are always eager to help care for him. “He’s the chillest, happiest, sweetest little guy ever,” shares Kassandra.
But behind Wesley’s cheerful personality is a little boy who has faced significant health challenges from an early age. He was born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy that affects his muscles, eyes and brain. As a result, Wesley experiences mobility and developmental challenges. He is also non-verbal.
“He’s the chillest, happiest, sweetest little guy ever.”
While Wesley can crawl, he is not able to walk independently. His favourite police car has become one of the ways he gets around the house, giving him the freedom to move independently while doing something he loves. “He’s obsessed with it,” says Kassandra. “He has to get on it the moment he gets home.”
Beyond the police car, Wesley relies on a variety of mobility and accessibility equipment every day. He uses a walker, wheelchair and therapy tricycle to help him move around at home, daycare and in the community. But one of the pieces of equipment that has made the biggest difference for Wesley and his family is something many people would never think twice about: a specialized bath seat.
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As Wesley grew, bath time became increasingly challenging. He had outgrown the standard bath seat he had used as a baby, making it difficult for Kassandra to bathe him safely on her own. Through Easter Seals Ontario’s Equipment Funding Program, Wesley’s family received funding for a specialized bath seat that provides the support he needs to enjoy bath time safely. “The bath seat has made a world of difference,” explains Kassandra. “Before we had it, I needed my husband to come in and hold Wesley while I washed his hair. Otherwise, he would slip and slide everywhere, and he could have gotten really hurt. It was also really hard on my back.”
Today, bath time looks very different. Wesley can sit safely in his bath seat while Kassandra washes his hair and helps him get cleaned up. Best of all, it’s become one of his favourite parts of the day. “He laughs his head off in there,” she says.
“Bath time has become one of his favourite parts of the day. He laughs his head off in there.”
“We could not be more thankful,” continues Kassandra. “The support we received from Easter Seals was incredibly helpful. Without it, we would have had to go into debt to afford the bath seat. It’s one piece of equipment, but there are so many things Wesley needs, and they’re all expensive. The costs just keep adding up. My husband and I both work full-time and work incredibly hard, but there’s just no way you can truly understand everything that comes with raising a child with a disability until you’re living it.”
For Wesley and his family, the right equipment has transformed one of the most ordinary parts of the day into one filled with laughter instead of worry. Thanks to the generosity of Easter Seals Ontario donors, more children like Wesley can access the essential equipment they need to experience the simple moments of childhood safely and with joy.
Rilynn’s story is one example of the meaningful impact Easter Seals Ontario donors have on children and youth with physical disabilities across the province. Because of your support, children like Rilynn can continue exploring, learning and participating in the moments that make childhood special.