On Christmas Eve 2012, Stacey and Gord received a life-changing phone call about a one-month-old foster child who would be placed in their home for palliative care. The doctors claimed the baby was deaf, blind and suffered from a severe brain injury, estimating that he had less than a month to live. Stacey and Gord took Alex into their home, and then “life happened.” Alex continued to grow and thrive and began tracking and reacting to sounds. At six months old, he suddenly was unable to drink from a bottle, so he was taken to the hospital due to weight loss, and they were again advised that he would soon lose his life. Instead of sitting in despair, Stacey advocated inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube, and Alex continued to prove the impossible.
Alex will be celebrating his 12th birthday this November and has “a zest for life that is incredible,” said his parents, who officially adopted him when he was seven. Alex is non-verbal, g-tube fed and has Cerebral Palsy (CP). His parents were connected to Grandview Kids almost immediately for Medical Services, including the hearing clinic, developmental paediatrics, orthopedic clinic and Botox clinic. He has also accessed physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology to help him live, learn and play.
The therapies and medical appointments have been vital in maintaining Alex’s well-being, but the support his also family receives is of equal worth. Between therapists, social workers and peer navigators advocating appropriate equipment, assisting in paperwork and creating a network of like-minded caregivers, a community rooted in acceptance and belonging was formed. When discouraged by a difficult situation, someone was always there to bring the Grandview sparkle and make the impossible feel possible.
As a big, mixed family of biological, adopted and foster children, Stacey and Gord love to take everyone camping and boating whenever everyone can get together. The siblings, especially one older sister, dote on Alex and love to tease him with kisses. Alex also enjoys many of the same hobbies and activities as other preteens his age. His parents share how fortunate they have been to receive funding support for an adaptable trike and toboggan, an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device that has made communication much easier for him and set up his power wheelchair with Bluetooth, allowing him to play video games.
Although Alex’s genuine happiness makes it hard for his parents to explain to other people, Stacey beautifully shares a few words about her CP warrior:
Alex is a CP level 4/5 warrior. Alex is unlike any other kid I know. It does not matter what adversities he faces in life; he is ALWAYS happy, ready to face each day, never complains and is always so positive. He is our happiness prescription, one look at him and you are smiling too! Alex uses a range of equipment to help him through his day to the best of his ability. Some of these include a power wheelchair, AFO’s, nighttime leg braces, bath seat, walker, stander, lift system, communication device, adapted bike and adapted toboggan for winter fun. This equipment allows him to be as mobile as possible, fit in with his peers and give him the best outcome possible. – Stacey P.
