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My Journey with Grandview Kids – an impact story written by Shayaan

My name is Shayaan, and I am a 17-year-old Grandview Kids client. I live with my parents and my older brother. My entry into the world was unexpected as I was born without arms. It was a surprise to everyone, including the doctors. 

As a young child, I was determined to find my own way. Instead of crawling like most infants, I learned to scoot, and I didn’t take my first steps until I was 22 months old, after hours of attempting to stand without support using my core strength. The reason my arms didn’t develop remains unknown, but the most plausible explanation is that the genetic information necessary for their formation didn’t exist during my early embryonic development. 

I spent my early school years in the Kingdom of Bahrain, completing grade 5 before moving to Canada. At school, I often encountered curious children who couldn’t understand why I didn’t have arms. Although I sometimes faced bullying, I found ways to hold my own by drawing a fine line in the sand. When my mother found out, she was heartbroken but proud that I had navigated these challenges independently. 

Moving to Canada was a tough transition, especially leaving behind my friends. Initially, I faced difficulties in school where some children and even a few teachers were overtly rude about my physical state. I’ll never forget a teacher who laughed and asked if I was having a tummy ache when she saw me using my momentum to put on a hoodie. However, everything changed when we moved to the Durham region. Here, I found a community that was more accepting and understanding of my disability. I was referred to Grandview Kids by my previous Children’s Treatment Centre, Erin Oak Kids. At Grandview Kids I began receiving services from occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers, and developmental pediatricians. 

My journey has not been easy. To date, I have undergone 18 surgeries, each one followed by extensive physiotherapy and occupational support to help me regain my independence. The team at Grandview worked closely with my school to ensure my environment was adapted to my needs. They provided height-adjustable desks, gym class modifications, extra breaks during classes, and customized wheelchair hooks for easier dressing in the school toilets. Their support has been crucial in helping me return to school and resume a normal life after each surgery. 

My involvement with Grandview Kids extends beyond receiving services. I joined the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) and volunteered at various events. This active participation led to my receiving the School Community Council Bursary Award for overcoming obstacles, achieving my goals for post-secondary education, and making significant contributions to both my school and the broader community. Despite numerous surgeries—including bone revision, spinal fusion, and total hip replacement—as well as missing over two months of school due to one of these surgeries, I successfully completed my high school diploma this year, earning the Ontario Scholar’s Award, an Honour Roll certificate, and a Certificate of Merit for Academic Excellence. 

As I prepare to start university this fall, where I will be studying Business in Information Technology, I continue to receive services from Grandview Kids and will stay a client until twenty-one years of age. To me, Grandview Kids is more than just an organization—it is a family of caring and experienced professionals who go above and beyond to support children and youth like me. One day, I hope to give back to Grandview Kids in meaningful ways, helping others find the same success and support that I have experienced.