Find a Printable Version of Arthur’s Story Here
Arthur has a larger‑than‑life personality. He wakes up every day ready to love the day, charm the room, and reminds everyone around him that life is far too fun to take seriously. As his guardian, Delaney says: “You can usually find Arthur cracking up over the smallest things, confidently bossing around adults, or celebrating absolutely nothing at all. He brings joy to everyone in his orbit as if it’s his full‑time job.”
Fate, unfortunately, changed the direction of the family. As Delaney shares, a life-altering condition for Arthur saw the family come to Five Counties when they needed support the most:
“Arthur adores everything about Christmastime—from driving around to admire the lights and inflatable decorations to watching the Santa Claus Parade and shouting, “Hi Santa, hi!” at the top of his lungs. Despite his love for the season, he is not a fan of the cold weather.
“He also loves rolling around in his wheelchair and chasing after his big sister, Emma. And when summer arrives, he’s at his happiest: splashing at the beach, playing at the park, and soaking up every bit of sunshine he can.
“In May 2024, at just three months of age, Arthur was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a cancer that develops in a child’s nerve tissue. He spent 3 months being treated at a children’s hospital in Toronto. The tumor in his chest had wrapped around his spine, compressing his nerves and leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Because the tumor was taking all his nutrition, and because he spent so long in a hospital bed, Arthur was unable to move, learn, or do the things a typical six-month‑old would.
“When Arthur was first diagnosed, I felt scared, sad, mad, and like the world had stopped moving. Following his treatment for neuroblastoma, Arthur began coming to Five Counties in the fall of 2024 to assist with his rehab and recovery from the impact of the cancer. He has benefited greatly from both occupational therapy and physical therapy at Five Counties, making great strides to focus on his goals of building core strength, rolling over, and sitting up independently.
“One of the biggest challenges for Arthur is accessibility outside the house. Because he’s so small, there aren’t many things designed for his size. Without core strength, he can’t sit without using his hands for support or having someone hold him. Simple things like Arthur sitting up in a restaurant highchair, shopping cart, or infant swing at the park can be incredibly difficult. These challenges have pushed me to get creative in finding ways to make the world more accessible for him.
“The Centre helped Arthur overcome big challenges and gain confidence. If we didn’t go to Five Counties, his life would be more difficult. Having a Five Counties location nearby has been incredibly important too. Arthur doesn’t last longer than an hour and a half in the car, so having the Centre only 45 minutes away has made a huge difference.
“Five Counties staff supported us through an incredibly difficult time. Arthur would not have the mobility he has today without the Centre. Five Counties has changed Arthur’s life, and we are forever grateful.”
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Category: General News