Maria's story

Maria is a well-spoken, funny and happy child who loves spending her days outside in nature with her grandmother, Katherine.

“I teach her things I did when I was a young girl,” says Katherine. “I’m grateful for Maria, everything we’ve been through together and how she always has a smile on her face.”

Ever since Maria could walk, she’s had trouble with her balance. After years without answers, Maria eventually found help with a surgery at the IWK Children’s Hospital in Halifax, NS, a four-hour drive from home.

“When I got the call, I wasn’t sure if I was taking my car or the bus – I just knew I had to get Maria to the IWK for the help we’d been waiting for,” says Katherine.

Now, after years of falling and walking on her tippy-toes, Maria's walking has improved. Although she continues to have challenges, she finds more joy in each day. 

“I just want everyone to be OK again,” says Maria, as she thinks about how others are going through similar situations. She hopes others can receive the same level of care as she has throughout her health journey.