Long Overdue Update!

It has been over 2 years since our last blog! We’ve been “extra-ordinarily busy” and have lots to catch-up on…

As previously mentioned, we took possession of a 3 bedroom condo in fall of 2014 that underwent massive renovations to accommodate Thomas’ physical needs and create a functional home for both of us.

Despite best efforts/intentions, (my lack of experience), a very short window of time and a very unreliable contractor, the work was not complete by moving date. It was a very difficult, stressful Christmas - we had no doors to our bedrooms, no closets, no stovetop, kitchen sink and Thomas had no bath!

Thankfully, our pain was short-lived and we received generous and kind help from a couple of contractors who responded via Thomas’ website! Many loose ends would continue to be tackled throughout the next year/half; the project well-exceeding my 8 week window! The good news is that Thomas and I are very comfortable and adjusted to a single level, downsized space with no maintenance outside our front door. Our condo is one of 3 situated on 15 acres of land with indoor/outdoor pools which more than make up for a lost backyard. Thomas gets more fresh air than ever – including accessing a large balcony. He has many new acquaintances; most of the residents know and have taken to Thomas!

Shortly after settling in, we faced another major modification challenge – this one involving transportation. Lifting Thomas and his wheelchair in and out of a very dated SUV had become an unsafe and complicated daily task.

By the fall of 2015, we began planning and raising funds towards a $70,000 wheelchair accessible van. Through the generosity of supporters who collectively pledged over $10,000 during last year’s Team Thomas marathon, major gifts received by Bison Transportation and the Jessiman Family and a lot of “Toonies for Thomas” collected by our local Second Cup, we purchased our van last month! We further received vehicle modification grants from President’s Choice Children’s Charity, March of Dimes and Easters Seals which completed our entire funding commitment. Thomas’ van will be converted and ready to use by the end of this month – we can’t wait!

We extend many, many thanks to everyone who made this vision and critical need a reality – you provided Thomas with safe and accessible transportation for years to come!

Outside of organizing living space and transportation needs, Thomas continues to maintain a very busy life that caters to his many exceptionalities. He has enrolled in a part time special education program at a local school and also attends regular medical and clinical appointments, speech and physical therapy. On a rotating basis, “blocks” of behavior therapy are offered to support social and communication skills – as well as treasured seasonal adaptive hockey and skiing!

This summer, thanks to a successful Toonies for Thomas raffle, Thomas attended 4 weeks of specialized residential camp that provided many new
experiences he was able to participate in to his full capacity. Full days of sunshine and memories we will all cherish – see short clip.

As a result of being so active, Thomas is well known/connected to a wide range of facilities within the city including Variety Village, who recently chose him as one of their ambassadors at the Lieutenant Governor’s Games which take place this month!

Home continues to offer Thomas best and reliable access to experiential learning throughout his daily activities like eating, bathing, brushing his teeth or standing at the sink to wash his hands. Being actively independent and having the opportunity and confidence to do so is critical and translates into skills Thomas is at risk of being dependent on others for. Thomas’ mobility continues to be bolstered in our home in small efforts like getting to/from the sink, bath and balcony to larger outings like walking to the bus stop – a 40m trek which can take him 30-40 mins. to soldier through. Thomas is very motivated to be outside in the real word, attain his destination and greet the bus driver!

At 12 yrs old, Thomas is growing up and getting bigger. He has outgrown his entire supply of mobility aids, furniture and other equipment – some of which he acquired at the age of 3! We are now overhauling these pieces one by one. Some of these are hand-made and rely on skilled carpentry; others acquired via specialized health care vendors. They all take time, effort and are costly to complete.

As Thomas’ bones grow, his muscles must keep up or he risks atrophy which limits his movement and mobility, can be painful and even require surgery. Continued physical therapy and daily mobility is essential to support this critical growth into adulthood. My hope (and worry) is to continue my ability to physically support him as I do now and give him maximum independence.

We remain extremely grateful to the many individuals who continue to take such a strong interest in Thomas and support his progress and give us
all encouragement. We could never have accomplished all that we have without you!

We are looking forward to another successful race at this year’s Waterfront Marathon – with keen new runners that have stepped up to the challenge! This event will enable us to replace Thomas equipment and carry on his weekly physical therapy. Thomas is especially looking forward to a treasured Halloween season!

Thank you for patiently awaiting my long overdue update.

On behalf of Thomas, Rob and Adrienne, we wish you all a wonderful fall and Thanksgiving!

Linda