In an inspiring act of love, a mother in Edmonton took the initiative to craft a DIY wheelchair for her toddler, who is paralyzed. Not wanting to wait for her daughter to outgrow a traditional wheelchair, she sought a creative solution that would allow her little one to explore the world.
Thirteen-month-old Mia Thompson was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that left her paralyzed below the arms after undergoing extensive chemotherapy. While the family’s journey has been heart-wrenching, Mia’s mother, Sarah, resolved to provide her daughter with as normal a life as possible. “You go home, you cry, and then you come back stronger,” she shared.
Determined to fight against the limitations set by doctors, Sarah discovered a DIY wheelchair tutorial on Pinterest. With the help of her husband John, they assembled a miniature wheelchair using a Bumbo seat, a kitchen cutting board, and wheels from a child’s bike, all for about $100. The result? A functional chair that has given Mia newfound freedom. “She really gets around now,” Sarah said, excitedly sharing how Mia learned to move backwards, forwards, and even turn in her chair.
This DIY creation has not only amazed her parents but has also impressed Mia’s pediatric oncologist, Dr. Lisa Green, who noted that Mia moves with the agility of an older child. More importantly, this innovative chair has enhanced Mia’s development, allowing her to explore her surroundings much like a typical crawling child would. While they know that more advanced wheelchairs will be necessary in the future, this homemade version is doing wonders for Mia right now. “Nothing can stop her,” her father remarked, filled with pride.
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Summary
This heartwarming story highlights how a mother turned to Pinterest for inspiration to create a DIY wheelchair for her paralyzed toddler, Mia. Despite the challenges posed by her diagnosis and the limitations she faces, Mia’s newfound independence and mobility through this creative solution showcase the power of determination and love in parenting.