Bringing laughter, energy, and an undeniable charm wherever she goes, eight-year-old Naiya lights up the lives of those around her.
Bringing laughter, energy, and an undeniable charm wherever she goes, eight-year-old Naiya lights up the lives of those around her. “She is a really happy kid … if you meet her, she’s full of joy,” Naiya’s mom, Vanessa, shares.
Naiya was born with cerebral palsy, a condition that can present significant mobility challenges. “She had a stroke in utero sometime around 26 weeks,” Vanessa explains. While the cause of the stroke is still a mystery, it led to Naiya’s diagnosis of cerebral palsy at just nine months old.
“This equipment is so important to Naiya’s development both physically and mentally. It directly improves her quality of life and also helps to build her confidence.”
Cerebral palsy affects individuals differently, and for Naiya, she experiences limited muscle functionality and muscle spasticity. Yet Naiya embraces life’s challenges and navigates her world with resilience. She primarily uses a wheelchair for mobility, but she has the ability to use a walker for shorter distances. Thanks to the incredible support of Easter Seals donors, Vanessa was able to provide Naiya with a walker, opening doors to new opportunities, such as playing soccer and engaging in more activities that bring her joy.
“She gets super proud of herself when she scores a goal,” Vanessa shares. “She really enjoys [playing soccer]. Even just playing games and running around with all the kids. She just wants to be included.”
With such a strong desire to be part of the action, Naiya is not one to settle for sitting quietly on the sidelines. Beyond soccer, she enjoys participating in an array of games and activities, including board games, card games, music, and dance. Naiya will even join Vanessa at the squash court, fully absorbing the excitement of the game. “When I miss a ball on the court, I’ll scream and she’ll do the same thing. It’s kind of hilarious,” Vanessa shares.
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The impact of Easter Seals donors extends beyond Naiya’s recreational interests, enriching her daily life at home and contributing to an improved quality of life. Recently, thanks to their support, Vanessa was able to acquire a new stander for Naiya. A stander is an invaluable piece of equipment that helps Naiya maintain an upright position, bear weight on her legs, and engage in various activities while standing. Now, Naiya can join her mom in the kitchen, actively participating in baking cupcakes or cooking pancakes. “She just wants to help and be a part of everything,” Vanessa adds.
This is the first stander Naiya has owned that was made specifically for her and is designed to meet all of her needs. “This equipment is so important to Naiya’s development both physically and mentally. It directly improves her quality of life and also helps to build her confidence,” Vanessa explains. The stander helps to foster greater inclusion and participation, and it holds the potential to improve her muscle strength, bone development, circulation, and overall functional abilities. “As her parents, we’re trying to help her reach her full potential,” Vanessa shares. “The equipment is so expensive and highly specialized. And for us, having the right equipment means so many things; it means less medication, less surgeries, more independence, and more confidence for Naiya.”
“Without the help from Easter Seals, we would not be able to afford all the equipment that Naiya needs. We want to be able to provide Naiya with her best quality of life and the funding that we receive from Easter Seals helps us to provide this for Naiya.”
This fall, Naiya will embark on her journey into Grade 3, where she will continue to grow, learn, and embrace new experiences. With the support of Easter Seals donors, Naiya’s journey is filled with hope and endless possibilities. Through your continued support, we can help ensure that Naiya and other remarkable children like her have access to the resources they need to thrive.
“Naiya is a good kid, and we’re just trying to do the most for her,” Vanessa shares. “Without the help from Easter Seals, we would not be able to afford all the equipment that Naiya needs. We want to be able to provide Naiya with her best quality of life and the funding that we receive from Easter Seals helps us to provide this for Naiya.”
Together, let’s create a world where every child’s potential is recognized, celebrated, and supported. Join us in making a lasting impact today and be part of the incredible journey of children like Naiya.