A Driving Need
January 1, 2007
How Easter Seals helps steer funds toward SMD consumers in Cromer
“The biggest challenge is the travel for services, mainly doctors.”
Travel is only one of the challenges Paul and Rhonda Pennycook have faced while raising their children, Avril (age 13), Lexi (age 10) and Phoenix (age 6) on their farm near Cromer, Manitoba. But the problem is a significant one because both Avril and Lexi have Cerebral Palsy…and that requires numerous medical-related trips every year.
“The girls’ pediatrician is in Brandon – a one and a half hour drive. Lexi has to see him every four months,” explains Rhonda. “Avril goes to Winnipeg every four months for Botox treatment.”
“Before school started, we traveled to Brandon one to two times a month for Physiotherapy and O.T. Services. We have Special Devices clinics which we travel to once a year and, if any equipment of any size is needed, we then have to go to Winnipeg to have it fitted and picked up.”
Fortunately, SMD and Easter Seals are along for the ride, helping the Pennycooks obtain funding through Children’s Special Services to help offset the cost of travel, gas, and – when in Winnipeg – lodging and meals.
But SMD’s involvement doesn’t stop when the Pennycooks pull into their driveway. SMD Wheelchair Services provided Avril with both a manual wheelchair and a powerchair, giving her a greater sense of independence. Before Avril began school, a preschool outreach teacher would visit the family at home about every three weeks, bringing different activities suited to the girls’ needs. Respite hours, speech therapy services, special equipment and summer programs…SMD has helped the Pennycooks access a wide variety of services that have made a big difference in their lives.
“They are a lifeline to the family,” says Rhonda of SMD and Easter Seals. “When I first heard my children had special needs, I was scared. I did not know what programs or support was available.”
“Once SMD got involved with our family, our minds were laid to rest. Thanks to SMD and Easter Seals, we have been able to live our lives just like any other family.”
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