We see children of all ages and abilities from our communities and reading their stories helps people understand more about how Five Counties can help families in our communities.
Share your own story with us at development@fivecounties.on.ca and help raise greater awareness of the hard work our kids do with the help of our staff every day to build their abilities for life
Have you ever met a daredevil? Or wondered if you might meet one someday? Well, if you met my son Talon, you’d know for sure you had met a real daredevil.
Alexa is a fun loving five-year-old who likes to “boss around” and play with her dog, Marino. She enjoys golfing with her Daddy, Justin, and going for bike rides to the park with her Mama, Ashley. If you’re really lucky, you’ll get to hear her giggle and you won’t stop smiling for the rest of the day.
Gilbert is an easy going 4-year-old who’s smile can light up a room. He is kind to those around him and a loving sibling to his older and younger brothers. He loves music and is learning to play the piano. He is also a Five Counties kid.
Owen is a loving six-year-old who is always there to give a hug and kiss to his family and friends. He has a passion for old cars, old tractors, and dinosaurs. It seems anything old holds Owen’s interest!
“Owen is learning life skills to help him reach his greatest potential.”
Scott, 2, walks through the hallway of Five Counties Children’s Centre after family friend Pat Hobbs built a walker just his size. His mother Joanna says he is happier and more independent with his new wheels.
“He’s a very curious little boy who loves to explore. He has just been a rascal.”
“Owen is confident, chatty and outgoing. He’s excited to try and he is succeeding.”
Mirra is going into her second year of Sparks!
“If I had to tell another parent about them, I would say ‘Trust them. Each time we are there, we feel like family.”
Jonathan works on his balance with a series of challenges set up in a hallway at Five Counties Children’s Centre.
“It has also helped him believe that as long as you keep trying you will succeed at your goal.”
Long before Sarah Marshall won awards for her community work and medals at the Canadian Transplant Games, she prepared to take on the world with the help of Five Counties Children’s Centre.
Claire Bailey accompanies her brother Max Doyle on the bus to school and also helps him with his therapies, inspiring her to choose occupational therapy as her career choice.
“Before treatment, Gabriel had zero interaction skills. Since receiving therapy, he has been more self-confident and has been more sociable.”
He is now a popular, thoughtful and self-advocating. He is a deep emotional and critical thinker and a joker who likes to tease his parents.
Five Counties has affected Xander’s life beyond treatment by giving him the confidence to never give up, encouraging him to strive to reach his goals and supporting him during the hardest time in his life thus far.
Abella was almost two and was not yet walking. The little girl with Down Syndrome was getting therapies for her fine motor skills and speech when her mother dreamt that she took her first steps with the use of a walker.
Isaac is happiest when he is active – playing lacrosse or running.
When Isaac struggled with his hand-eye co-ordination at age one, Five Counties staff were there to help him develop those skills.
…(and neither can their parents) for treatment at Five Counties Children’s Centre. Meet the Kimmett Family.
All of Nolan’s brothers play lacrosse. They found their passion and ran with it.
Nolan has found his passion too.
Well, guess what that is? Enter Monster Trucks!
As a mother, Cathy’s world was shattered when she was told her son Shane had a rare syndrome called Costello Syndrome which caused Shane’s speech and physical development to be delayed. With the support of Five Counties, Cathy now has hopes and dreams for the future.
“You expect to have these perfect littles babies and, when it doesn’t happen, it’s frightening. I felt so helpless and afraid. When I brought them home I was even more overwhelmed.”
Meet Maxx and Maya. Born at 26 weeks and weighing only 1 lb., 15 oz each, they are now achieving amazing milestones.
Adam has been a part of the Five Counties community for more than 20 years. Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at a young age, he frequently received treatment from Five Counties. What he enjoyed most at the Centre was being involved in the recreational therapy programs like sledge hockey. Today, Adam teaches school and volunteers his time Five Counties. What is most important to Adam is showing younger children what can be accomplished with determination and a positive attitude.
Brittanee had trouble speaking certain sounds and words when she was younger. This made her self-conscious to the point where she would let her brother speak for her. In Grade 2, Brittanee’s parents turned to Five Counties for help. With her therapist Lyn, Brittanee began to learn to articulate words and her self-confidence grew. Today, Brittanee joins in at school, is involved in extra-curricular activities, and even public speaking. In the future, she hopes to work with those who are disabled to show them how special they are.