Transformation

Anna’s new wheelchair has transformed her life. In just one month, it has done everything I had hoped for and more. Anna is moving independently, exploring, chasing, laughing, spinning and just generally engaging with life. She is no longer a small girl in a wheelchair waiting to be moved around but instead an assertive, demanding inquisitive and fun seeking four year old.

On her first day at nursery with the snapdragon wheelchair (snappie) the staff asked if I’d brought a different girl as the change in her was so noticeable.

The past month has been filled with new experiences such as playing in the snow, chasing and catching her brother, playing football, eating at the right height at the table, holding hands when walking with mummy, picking her dolls up from the floor, dancing, … all things we take for granted but, up until now, just impossible for Anna.

It does mean putting it in and taking it out of the car every journey but it’s worth it to give her maximum independence. However, it is quite hard work, especially doing it maybe 3 or 4 times a day, so the sooner we get a wheelchair accessible vehicle, the better. Then Anna can be like any other child, and get herself in and out of the car in her snappie. It will involve an electronic lift in the car and an internal docking station but I have no worries as Nathan has already decided all that ‘boy toy’ stuff is his job.

Anna smiles and laughs so much more of the time. It’s just amazing to see and, as her mother, feels wonderful.

I cannot say enough thanks to everyone who helped us to give Anna her new snappie. You have changed our lives.

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