Small, portable, and light, this goes beyond being just a wheelchair—it represents liberation.
On Wednesday, Windsor resident Nicole Mercado had her dreams come true when she was unexpectedly presented with a lightweight power wheelchair from the Shine Foundation. This thoughtful gesture aims to ease some stress as she transitions into university life.
However, Mercado, who resides with cerebral palsy, does not intend to dedicate all her time solely to academics.
“Not just during her time at university,” stated Mercado, aged 19, who will commence studies in English literature at the University of Windsor this coming autumn.
I plan to utilize it outdoors. I aim to engage in more activities with my friends that were previously not possible, such as visiting malls or shopping. This way, I can stay on par with them.
The organization offers “transformative Shine Dreams” to youth aged 11 to 21 who live with significant physical impairments.
Shine utilizes referral sources throughout the nation, such as the John McGivney Children’s Centre, to connect with ideal candidates.
Since the charity doesn’t get any government support, it covers all the dream expenses via fundraising efforts, contributions from corporations, and businesses offering financial aid along with donated goods.
Mercado’s aspiration was a sleek Jazzy power chair priced at approximately $4,000. This assistive device was made available through support from Motion Windsor, a company specializing in tailored mobility and accessibility solutions.
It costs four times as much to raise a child with a disability,” stated Tiffany Houston, CEO of the Shine Foundation. “For instance, during Christmastime, when I want to buy a bicycle for my kid, I could head over to Canadian Tire.
Families with children who have disabilities find it challenging. A wheelchair, an adaptive bicycle, or any accessible gear costs roughly four times as much compared to what it would cost for a child without a disability.
Shine manages to fulfill approximately 65 dreams each year, covering everything from assistance dogs to a child’s inaugural flight in an aircraft.
The dreams they have can be incredibly imaginative, yet often they reflect themes of independence and self-assurance,” stated Houston. “These are about adaptive sports gear and similar tools, just like what Nicole picked out today. Such equipment frequently provides these individuals with a clearer path toward their futures.
Frequently, this path can be driven by something as apparently straightforward as making it across campus punctually.
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“Ever since I was little, walking has been a major issue for me, particularly maintaining balance,” Mercado stated following a test drive with her new wheelchair at the Motion showroom.
I can walk for about 10 minutes or maybe just 5 before getting tired. Additionally, I tend to lose my way easily. People mentioned that the campus is quite large, so some assistance would definitely be helpful.
Certainly, no single thing can eliminate all the worries of a new student.
I’m thrilled yet simultaneously anxious about it,” stated Mercado, aspiring to become an English teacher. “My professor mentioned that university will be considerably more challenging than high school, so I must ready myself accordingly.
twilhelm@postmedia.com
