Get Christopher Walk'ins! SDR Surgery

Dear friends, family, and community,

We are reaching out to you with a heartfelt request for help as our family prepares for a major step in our son Christopher’s journey toward independence.

We are the Wells family, with 5 biological children and a bonus son through domestic, local adoption, we have a BIG dream to see our adopted son, Christopher, walk independently.

#GetChristopherWalk'ins

Over the past almost two years, Christopher has made incredible strides despite living with cerebral palsy.

Meet Christopher

Christopher’s journey has been one of courage, resilience, and a relentless drive to overcome the challenges he faces. When we adopted him a year and a half ago (almost two at the time of surgery), Christopher was nearly entirely dependent on those around him—confined mostly to his wheelchair and grappling with physical limitations that prevented him from keeping up with his new siblings. Since joining our family, he’s shown strength that has amazed us all and inspired everyone he meets.

Through countless hours of physical therapy, daily exercises, and the encouragement of his adoptive family, Christopher has progressed from being wheelchair-bound to taking his first steps with crutches and handholding. His dream of walking independently is within reach. However, the spasticity in his muscles—caused by cerebral palsy—now stands in his way.

We are incredibly fortunate that he’s been approved for a specialized procedure called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR). This spinal surgery targets the nerves causing his spasticity and could be life-changing, giving him the “freedom” of movement he’s longed for.

The Next Step: Life-Changing Surgery

Christopher has been approved for Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR), a surgery that will reduce muscle tightness in his lower body, giving him the potential to gain even greater independence. SDR could be the key to him walking with more ease, gaining more control, and living a fuller life.

The surgery is not only life-changing but highly specialized, with only three hospitals in Canada offering it. Christopher has worked hard to qualify, a testament to his growth since joining our family.

After the surgery, Christopher will require three months of intensive, in-house rehabilitation at Bloorview Hospital. During this time, one of us will need to be with him constantly while the other holds down the fort at home with the other five kiddos.

As a self-employed family, this will mean stepping away from our business, leaving us without income for the duration of his rehab.

How You Can Help

We are humbly asking for your support to help us bridge the financial gap during this crucial time. With our business shut down for three to four months, we will need help to cover our family’s basic needs and ensure that our father-in-law, who we employ, is also supported. We’re aiming to raise $49,000 to cover fixed expenses in our business and incremental costs of travel and accommodations during the rehabilitation period ensure we can continue providing for our children and our home while we focus on Christopher’s recovery.

These funds will allow us to:

Christopher’s courage has brought him this far, and now we’re inviting you to be part of his journey toward independence. Any support will bring him closer to his dream of walking on his own and opening a new chapter full of opportunity and freedom. Thank you for joining us on this journey!

Your generosity will not only help provide for our family during Christopher’s surgery and rehabilitation, but it will also help him take huge steps toward independence. He has already accomplished so much, and with your support, we know that this surgery can be the next major milestone in his incredible journey.

We are so grateful for any support you can offer—whether it’s financial, sharing this campaign with others, or keeping our family in your prayers. Thank you for being a part of Christopher’s story and for helping us give him the best possible future.

With love and gratitude,

The Wells Family