Hayden is growing stronger and more independent each day with the support of his equipment.
Every day, Hayden is making progress. “He is learning to sit up on his own. He’s pushing himself up all by himself. He loves to do that,” shares Rene, Hayden’s mom.
Hayden is seven years old and has what is known as a congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG). The condition is something he was born with, and it has resulted in both developmental delays and mobility challenges for Hayden.
“During the pregnancy, there was no sign of any health issues,” Rene explains. “But a few months after he was born, we started seeing signs. He was not tolerating his feed, he had serious acid reflux, and he wasn’t gaining weight.” At the time, Rene and Hayden were living in Jamaica. It wasn’t until they arrived in Canada that Hayden received a formal diagnosis of CDG.
“The equipment is vital. I cherish each piece. They are so helpful in our lives. They make life a lot easier for us.””
Since those early days, Hayden has grown into a bubbly kid who loves to play, especially with balloons or anything that lights up. “I am very proud,” Rene shares, “he is growing and getting happier and heavier.” As Hayden continues to thrive, the importance of specialized equipment in his life becomes even more apparent.
Unfortunately, the high cost of this essential equipment can make it difficult to access for many families. “I wish I had the money to purchase all the equipment he needs to make life so much easier for him, and for us – the caregivers,” Rene explains.
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Thankfully, through our Equipment Funding Program, Rene has been able to receive support toward some of the equipment Hayden needs. This includes a bath chair, which has made a big difference for both Hayden and Rene at home. “The bath chair makes it so much better. I am able to push him around in it and I can push him right into the bathroom. I am even able to use it as a feeding chair, for the time being, until I can find him a suitable highchair.”
Rene is hoping to get Hayden as a special adaptive seat that will provide him with support in a variety of positions. “It has a reclined back so it will be easier for him to relax his back, and just watch TV or activities like that.”
“I wish I had the money to purchase all the equipment he needs to make life so much easier for him, and for us – the caregivers.”
While the amount of equipment children with physical disabilities require can be overwhelming, and the process for obtaining it sometimes cumbersome, the impact of each piece is profound, significantly enhancing their quality of life and ability to thrive. “The equipment is vital,” Rene explains, “I cherish each piece. They are so helpful in our lives. They make life a lot easier for us.”
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous donors for making it possible for more families to access this essential equipment. Your support has made a significant difference in Hayden’s life, easing the challenges and helping him grow stronger every day. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children like Hayden and their families.