Your generosity empowers young lives.
As we lead into this holiday season, it’s an honour to introduce you to 10–year-old Thomas, affectionately known as “Thom-Thom” by his family. A remarkable young boy, his growth and determination demonstrate the positive impact of your past support.
Thom’s parents, Melanie and Scott, were eagerly anticipating their second child when a standard check-up revealed underdeveloped organs causing a risk to the baby’s well-being. Can you imagine how devastating it would be to find out your unborn child was struggling to survive? After his birth, Thom underwent heart surgery and required around the clock care to maintain his health.
“Nothing can prepare you for how you will feel having a child who is medically complex. Thom is a fighter, our strong little man and our forever baby.”
Your generosity has helped ensure Thom receives leading-edge care in our province.
Determined to give Thom the best support and opportunities to manage his ongoing health fluctuations, they were referred to the Rehabilitation Centre for Children. Once within the Centre’s amazing system, their time with occupational and physiotherapy experts and accessing life-changing adapted equipment began.
“Thom’s therapists see his potential. They don’t focus on what he can’t do, only on what he can do and how to help him get there.”
“When Thom received his adapted bike, it was life changing. If Thom is tired, we can push him. When his energy is up, he can self-propel. It has given him control. Thom can steer and lead us wherever he wants to go. That choice means so much to him.”
The Tomato Chair provides quality of life benefits to Thom. He now has a stable and secure place to sit as he watches his favourite movies, flips through colourful picture books and listens to music. For Melanie and Scott, the chair is a gift of freedom and security. You have made this possible.
“Our daily life with Thom requires a lot of energy and attention. He relies on us for everything, and the Tomato Chair makes feeding, transitions and engaging with him a lot easier.”
Your generous donations help families every step of the way.
Thom has faced more medical challenges than most people will in a lifetime. Diagnosed with an ultra-rare genetic disorder which causes developmental delays and epilepsy, he has endured multiple surgeries and hospital stays over the past ten years. Yet thanks to donors like you, hope and happiness shine through.
Thom’s condition will continue to progress, and he will always need your help. As a kind donor, you give children opportunities to discover new abilities, independence and joy. Your compassion provides freedom, confidence and belonging to Manitoba children who need it most.
If you are able, I encourage you to please give generously today to support Thom thriving.
My sincere appreciation for your thoughtfulness. Your desire to support children and youth will help Thom flourish and lift his family’s spirits at this special time of the year.
With a grateful heart,
Jane Kidd-Hantscher
Executive Director, Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation
P.S. Your generosity will help Thom move, play and spend quality time with his family.
P.P.S. Please consider becoming a monthly donor to ensure the Rehabilitation Centre for Children remains a place of empowerment and growth for Thom and countless other children.