One Child's Dream
One Child’s Dream is the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation’s annual campaign. Each year in late autumn we feature the stories of the children and families whose lives will be/ or are affected by your donation. Information will be available on this website, in the Winnipeg Free Press and on Global TV.
This year Kyden and his family have agreed to represent all families who receive services at the Rehabilitation Centre for Children and funding from the Children's Rehabilitation Foundation.
Meet Kyden
Kyden loves to pretend that he is a little monster. He puts a grimace on his face and growls. But his growl can’t hide the smile on this little tykes face. Kyden is one of the many children who receive special equipment from your donations to the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation. This is his family’s story.
“I knew from the moment Kyden was born that he had special needs. At first I was shocked and in disbelief, I expected him to be born perfectly healthy, just like his older sister. Things became a whirlwind after that with medical and specialist appointments that continue to this day. Before Kyden’s first birthday we started going to the Rehabilitation Centre for Children for equipment he needs to do things other kids take for granted. Kyden can’t walk or stand and has very brittle bones. This summer he was diagnosed with a form of Muscular Dystrophy.
I was also shocked to realize the extra expenses involved in raising a child with special needs. That is where the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation came in. Thanks to donations Kyden has a walker, his first bike, and his toboggan was modified so that he can safely ride in it. Kyden can even choose special colours and decals that make his leg braces look great.
When Kyden received his walker this summer we went to his sister’s school gym to try it out. Kyden was able to chase the kids – like a monster- play soccer and shoot balls into a basket. The whole time he was yelling “Look Mommy I am running!” My son was running and playing alongside the other kids, it was amazing.
The day Kyden got to try the trike, he thought it was his and kept saying “My bike, My bike”. He was so proud to cycle alongside his sister. The smile on his face was from ear to ear, while tears were streaming down my face. I never dreamt that I would see him ride. When I found out that the bike cost $2800 I knew we couldn’t afford it. We are so grateful the Foundation was able to fund Kyden’s very own trike.
The support we have received from the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation has changed Kyden and our family’s lives. If it wasn’t for all the wonderful people who donate Kyden would still be watching from the sidelines.
Kyden is turning three-years-old in December and although our journey isn’t what we had planned, we wouldn’t change it for anything in the world. We feel very blessed. Kyden has made us stronger, better and more compassionate people. He has more life and determination than anyone I know. Kyden is very determined to be just like other kids. Thanks to your donations, he is getting that chance. Thank you.“
Brigitte, Kyden’s Mom
The Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation’s “One Child’s Dream” annual campaign was created to help Manitoba families, like Kyden’s, shoulder the extra costs of raising special needs kids. With your continuing support Kyden and other children will have the chance to be just like other kids. Children’s needs change as they grow and develop, thanks to your financial support the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation can continue to give Kyden and countless other children the tools and support they need.
Please support One Child’s Dream and Donate Today.
