After waiting three years for children, Dan and Ashley had twins Isaac and Emmett, but learned during prenatal scans that Emmett had a heart condition. Dan and Ashley were told Emmett might not even survive until full term. At around one month of age, Emmett underwent heart surgery, which was successful, but resulted in considerable brain damage.
Because Emmett and Isaac are twins, Ashley and Dan quickly noticed a difference in the two boy’s development. Isaac met typical baby/toddler milestones within expected time frames, while Emmett didn’t seem to be interested in moving at all.
Ashley and Dan began looking for programs that would help Emmett grow and quickly discovered Pacekids. Ever since, Emmett has been running, rolling, and enjoying exciting new learning opportunities with the help of his yellow crocodile walker.
The bright and social four-year-old started at Pacekids in September 2022 and, with the help of his classroom team and therapists, enjoys independent movement every day.
“The thing we have been most excited about this year is Emmett’s movement,” said Ashley, Emmett’s mother. “For the longest time, Emmett was content to just sit and watch the world.
“I like that Pacekids is structured like a preschool. I like that they do circle time and all that stuff. I feel like, for Emmett, having to go to school after this, it’s really important that he starts to get used to a routine and a structure – that there are times of sitting and listening, and then there are times of playing and activity.”
Pacekids Programs is a charitable organization that strives to empower children with special needs and their families through excellence in therapy and education. Operating for over 25 years and funded through Program Unit Funding (PUF) from Alberta Education, & Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD), Pacekids serves children with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Global Developmental Delay, Down Syndrome, Speech & Language delays, and more through a variety of programs in the Calgary area.
