The 10 x 6 enclosed trailer, received with assistance from Advantage Auto and Trailer, can be hooked up to the family Yukon. It allows Wilson to pull in Clay’s wheelchair without having to fold it. His specialized walker that can support him also goes in there as can his standing equipment. She said she has put two out of three in there at once, so it can work for many situations. This will also be true into the future.
“It does make things easier. As he grows, the equipment also gets bigger. At some point, we might have to get a portable lift. He’s eight now and he will keep growing.”
The Westman Dreams for Kids Foundation helps children and families who are facing illnesses and challenges. It can mean specialized medical or sports equipment, or trips to hockey games or theme parks. It got its start from two businessmen wanting to help a boy with cancer in 1993. Since then, the organization has helped hundreds of children in the area. As the organization says, they believe every child deserves happiness and a chance to experience dreams.
They are run by a board of directors, have an advisory committee and hundreds of volunteers
As well as the trailer, Clay also received a quilt, and as a member of the Westman Dreams for Kids group, they attended a Christmas party in December.
Wilson said they are still looking for more equipment, like a new car seat for Clay. A big item would still be the wheelchair accessible van. It would mean Clay could simply go into the vehicle and be strapped in instead of lifted out of his chair. They are not really common and quite expensive with governmental support not as strong as it could be. As Wilson said, however, she has five other boys, so there needs to be room for them as well.
At any rate, she is very thankful for the support they have received from Westman Dreams for Kids.
“I do think they are a very important organization,” she explained. “For families like us, they are very important. The trailer really helps us and we couldn’t get it through other funding.”
by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff