In a heartfelt move to enhance their toddler’s mobility, a couple turned to Pinterest for guidance on crafting a DIY wheelchair for their daughter. Determined not to let her condition hold her back, they took the initiative to build a miniature wheelchair, allowing her to explore her surroundings.
Thirteen-month-old Mia Thompson, from Calgary, Alberta, faced a challenging diagnosis at just four months old. After being diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma, a tumor on her spine, she underwent extensive chemotherapy. While Mia’s cancer is currently in remission, the unfortunate reality is that she has been left paralyzed from the arms down.
Determined to provide her daughter with as normal a life as possible, Mia’s mother, Sarah, was resolute in her approach. “You go home, you shed tears, and then you return stronger than ever for your child,” she shared. After learning that Mia might have to wait until she was older to get a traditional wheelchair, Sarah took matters into her own hands, saying, “That just wasn’t a good enough answer for me.”
Her quest for independence led her to a DIY baby wheelchair tutorial she found on Pinterest. With her husband, Mark, they gathered materials including a Bumbo seat, a kitchen cutting board, and the wheels from an old children’s bike. The result was a functional and affordable wheelchair that cost around $100, granting Mia newfound freedom. “She really gets around now,” said Sarah. “Initially, she went backwards, but then she figured out how to move forwards. Now, we have a little speed bump in our living room because she zooms around so fast.”
The transformation of Mia’s mobility has been nothing short of inspiring. Her parents observed that she eagerly waves her arms in excitement when it’s time to hop into her special chair. Dr. Kim Evans, her pediatric oncologist, was equally impressed by Mia’s dexterity, noting, “She maneuvers that chair like a pro—turning and backing up just like older children.”
Not only is this innovative wheelchair capturing attention at doctor visits, but it is also playing a crucial role in Mia’s development. Instead of being confined to a chair or stroller, she is now able to explore her environment much like a typical crawling child would. Although her family anticipates the need for more sophisticated wheelchairs in the future, this homemade solution is serving her well for now. Mark expressed his admiration for Mia’s spirit, stating, “Nothing can stop her.”
This story highlights the unwavering determination of parents to provide their children with the best possible opportunities, and it’s a reminder that with creativity and resourcefulness, significant challenges can be tackled. For those interested in further exploring home insemination options, check out this blog post and learn more about the journey of couples who have successfully navigated similar paths. For an excellent resource on pregnancy, visit NICHD’s pregnancy page.
In summary, the story of Mia Thompson and her DIY wheelchair serves as a powerful testament to parental love and ingenuity. With the help of a little creativity and determination, Mia is now able to navigate her world with newfound freedom.