A Story of Hope: Help Richard Take His First Steps with Trexo Walking Robot

Hosted for the benefit of Rait Toom, Maiga Toom, and Richard Toom

All was normal during my friend Maiga's pregnancy with Richard until the 30 week routine checkup. That day their lives changed forever. She was diagnosed with preeclampsia and was also given heartbreaking news that Richard was not receiving enough oxygen and vital nutrients. The doctors repeatedly assured Maiga and Rait that everything would be fine and that the longer the baby stayed in the womb, the better.

Early in January 2025, Richard stopped moving entirely prompting an emergency c-section and the fight for his life began. Doctors discovered that Richard’s blood glucose level was 0%. Because of the lack of oxygen, he developed epilepsy and was also diagnosed with severe brain damage.

After birth, the doctors prognosis for Richard was very grim. They told us Richard might not live to see his first birthday, that he would never move or speak, and that he would likely be bedridden for life.

Rait and Maiga refused to give up hope and are determined Richard will be a success story. Richard, at just 8 months old, seems to agree. His spirit is unstoppable. He fights every day and has an incredible will to live as he battles a severe brain injury, epilepsy, cerebral palsy and poor eyesite. 

Rait and Maiga perform physiotherapy seven days a week at home, and visits to the hospital twice a week help ease his muscle spams. They also take him to the pool for therapy and give him massages. Every small victory, every tiny movement, is a beacon of hope.

They are currently working with specialists toward a goal for Richard to be able to sit independently. This would be a huge milestone and will open doors to even more progress. Repeated brain scans reveal that the left side of Richard’s brain is severely damaged, causing significant physical challenges that will worsen without additional help.

Richard has defied the odds and the doctors are amazed by his strengh, determination and progress. Specialists now believe that with the right support and tools, Richard has a real chance of standing, moving and even walking someday, but not without assistance. This is amazing and encouraging news.

The Trexo Walking Robot, (https://www.trexorobotics.com/who-can-use-the-trexo/) will be a game changer for Richard.

Living in Estonia, a small country with limited resources, Rait, Maiga, and Richard don’t have access to walking robots like Trexo that can give children like Richard the chance to learn to walk. They also have limited licensed specialists with intensive DMI (Dynamic Movement Intervention) training. (https://dmitherapy.com/)

We believe Richard is here for a reason and his courage and resiliency shine through every day. When you look into his eyes, you see a fighter—one who dreams of growing up like any other child, full of hope and possibility. 

But, he needs your help. You can be part of Richard’s success story and give him the opportunity to take his first steps by contributing to this fundraiser. No donation is too small.

About this Fundraiser

This groundbreaking proven technological device that will give Richard a chance to transform his life with mobility and independence costs approximately $42,500 and can be purchased here for him to take home with him to Estonia. 

Your donation and every dollar raised through this fundraiser will go directly toward purchasing the TREXO equipment. If we raise the full amount, Rait and Maiga will be able to own it outright, securing Richard’s access and potential for future mobility. Funds raised beyond the cost of the TREXO will help cover the cost of the urgent DMI intensive courses Richard also needs for his development — courses that are not available in Estonia.

Thank you for being part of Richard’s journey!