Ady’s Story

Ady is sociable and funny 3-year-old who loves making everyone around her smile. “She is a little ray of sunshine,” says her mom, Citlali. Ady loves hugs, kisses, and spending time with her family and their dogs, and she never turns down a good snack.

Alongside her bright personality, Ady was born with Down syndrome, which causes her to have low muscle tone, hyper-extended joints and development delays. With her condition, Ady has faced challenges with her mobility and could not move around on her own … until recently.

With the help of Easter Seals Ontario, Ady’s family was able to secure funding for her first walker. “The walker has been a critical piece in Ady’s skill development,” explains Citlali. “It has given her the necessary support to help train her body and develop her walking ability.” With the help of the walker, Ady has learned to walk entirely independently, without the support of her parents. “It’s been one month that she has been walking on her own, and now she is almost running! … We are so happy for her progress.”

For Ady, having the ability to move independently has transformed her everyday life, and most importantly, it means she can keep up more easily with her favourite playmate, her big brother Mario. “Mario and Ady play together all the time. They love each other, protect each other, and help each other … they are truly best friends,” says Citlali.

While the walker has been crucial for Ady’s progress, mobility equipment like this often comes with a high cost that can be challenging for families to manage. “When we saw the cost of the equipment, I realized we wouldn’t be able to buy it on our own,” says Citlali. On top of the everyday expenses of raising two children, Citlali is also a newcomer to Canada, navigating the process of settling and building a new life for her family. “Having the support from Easter Seals meant everything,” continues Citlali. “It means we are not alone, and more importantly, our daughter is not alone. Which brings peace of mind … that is why, from the bottom of our hearts, we would like to express a big thank you to everyone who has donated to Easter Seals. It absolutely changes lives. We also want to keep encouraging everybody to donate as their possibilities allow, because every single dollar changes lives of little ones that faces extra challenges in their lives.”

Thanks to your support and generosity, children like Ady can access the tools they need to grow and thrive. Your contributions bring families hope and the joy of watching their children reach new milestones. Thank you!