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Evan's Story

Hi, my name is Michelle and this is my son Evan. He is a delightful boy with an awesome sense of humor. He was born with a condition called arthrogryposis. He has contractures in his joints and his tendons are very tight. When he grows they are slow to grow with him. He needs stretching and splinting to keep his ankles and wrists straight. We spend a lot of time at The Centre. The Centre has helped Evan achieve his goals before my expectations.

Before Evan could talk, he had trouble pointing out the things he wanted to touch or do. He would scream in frustration. The Occupational Therapist from The Centre came to our house and we placed small pictures with velcro on items like the door, TV, toy box and fridge. He could bring the pictures to us and there was peace in our home again. The picture of the cookie took a beating.

The Centre has educated us. When he was born his tendons were so tight that his limbs were twisted like a pretzel. Evan is our second child. Our first child did not have such challenges so we were uneducated for this journey.

We have watched in amazement as he unfolded like a flower. The Centre has taught us how to play and do physio at the same time. They have taught us how to use certain equipment, and then we borrow the equipment to use at home. He took his first steps in their pool, sang his first songs in their “Songs and Rhymes” groups and conquered his first set of stairs at The Centre.

As Evan continues to grow he needs surgery from time to time to help the tendons stretch. Then we go into full physio mode to regain the muscle tone he loses after the surgery. The Centre is there for us ready to jump in and do what is necessary to get Evan “back on his feet again”. I've met many families at The Centre with different challenges and I thank you for your support because it helps all of us meet our challenges!