Whether she’s talking about her favourite movies or how she loves to play with her friends, seven-year-old Willow has a lot to say. And as a Capes for Kids ambassador, she’s daring to change the way people think about disability.
At two-years-old, Willow was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. After becoming a candidate for selective dorsal rhizotomy, a one-of-a-kind joint program between Holland Bloorview and SickKids, Willow underwent surgery to help with the tightness in her legs. For the next three months, her journey to recovery began at Holland Bloorview.
From the nurses and developmental pediatric fellows to the therapeutic clowns, Willow’s entire care team adapted to her needs. Whether she was baking delicious treats in the inpatient therapeutic kitchen, swimming, or learning how to ride a bike, Willow woke up each day feeling excited for therapy.
Alisa, Willow’s mom, says therapy opened her up to trying new things. Being around other kids also helped with her social skills and speech and language development. It was powerful for Willow to be around other kids with disabilities, Alisa says. During her stay, Willow became close friends with her roomie. They played and giggled together well into the late hours of the night.
But the family’s journey hasn’t always been smooth, especially when it came to getting Willow evaluated for an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. When her care team heard about the roadblocks they were facing, they immediately evaluated Willow and made a referral. Soon, Willow will have access to an AAC device, opening up a world of communication and independence for her.
“Holland Bloorview bridged a healthcare gap for us that we were really struggling with. If they didn’t do that, I would still be fighting,” Alisa says. “It was so meaningful to me that the hospital took time, even though it had nothing to do with her surgery. They listen a lot more at Holland Bloorview.”
Two years after her stay, Willow is a proud Holland Bloorview ambassador. She’s lending her support to Together We Dare and Capes for Kids, a campaign which will increase access to pediatric disability care across Canada. When she’s not sporting a cape, she loves playing in the sandbox at school, colouring and spending time with her mom.
As for Capes for Kids, Willow has a daring prediction: “It will be beautiful.”