Equipment for Mackayla
Donation protected
Mackayla Faulkner.
Where do I begin?
Mackayla has stolen our hearts since the very beginning; since she surprised us all with her entrance into this world.
My sister, deserving of a spot on that TV show, had not known she was pregnant. Mackayla was born during a camping trip, on July 22nd, 2014, in P.E.I. As she only appeared to be roughly 30 weeks, Mackayla was quickly airlifted to the IWK in Halifax, N.S. that same day. It was a few days later that we found out Mackayla had an underdeveloped brain. Where her upper left hemisphere and parts of her upper right were supposed to be, she had fluid filled sacks taking up the space. Even the best Neurologist could not tell us exactly what this would mean for Mackayla; she could only guess based on what portions were missing, but nothing was a guarantee. We initially didn't even know if little Mackayla would survive the weekend.
Well, she did. Mackayla has fought for her life since that fateful day. She has become a strong little girl in her short life, although she, and us as her family, face certain difficulties today and in the future. Mackayla is the happiest little girl; her smile lighting up a room and making you fall in love with her every time you see it. But she is unable to do everything a child her age should do. She cannot stand or sit, even having some difficulties holding her head straight at times. She cannot talk, although she does make many delightful sounds and enjoys spitting as a means of communication. She wiggles herself around when playing on the floor and will grab items that are small enough to wrap her fist around, which can sometimes include your hair if you're not careful! Mackayla has brought a new adventure to our lives, but especially her mother's, who is determined to give her daughter everything she needs to develop as best as she can.
Due to the unknown and her current development stages, we require several pieces of equipment to help Mackayla in her physical development. Along with her wheelchair that has been given to us by the always amazing IWK, The main piece that we are hoping to get for her is a stander. This piece is not something many people have probably seen, but it's a device that's used to hold Mackayla in a standing position to help strengthen the leg and body muscles she would otherwise not use. It's vital to her physical development, requiring her to use it every day. Unfortunately, we are unable to afford one for Mackayla, and other children are in need of borrowing the one that IWK had previously loaned to us. Her mother, my sister, is a single parent who has put her career on hold on order to work with Mackayla and ensure she gets the attention and arrives at every appointment she needs to attend.
The stander we require costs roughly $3905, which is much more than we are able to afford, even with family helping. We are graciously asking for donations to support funding of the stander that Mackayla requires. Any amount is greatly appreciated. You will be helping a beautiful little girl live her life to the fullest.
Anything above and beyond my goal will go towards future equipment needs for Mackayla's development.
Regards,
Brittany Faulkner
Where do I begin?
Mackayla has stolen our hearts since the very beginning; since she surprised us all with her entrance into this world.
My sister, deserving of a spot on that TV show, had not known she was pregnant. Mackayla was born during a camping trip, on July 22nd, 2014, in P.E.I. As she only appeared to be roughly 30 weeks, Mackayla was quickly airlifted to the IWK in Halifax, N.S. that same day. It was a few days later that we found out Mackayla had an underdeveloped brain. Where her upper left hemisphere and parts of her upper right were supposed to be, she had fluid filled sacks taking up the space. Even the best Neurologist could not tell us exactly what this would mean for Mackayla; she could only guess based on what portions were missing, but nothing was a guarantee. We initially didn't even know if little Mackayla would survive the weekend.
Well, she did. Mackayla has fought for her life since that fateful day. She has become a strong little girl in her short life, although she, and us as her family, face certain difficulties today and in the future. Mackayla is the happiest little girl; her smile lighting up a room and making you fall in love with her every time you see it. But she is unable to do everything a child her age should do. She cannot stand or sit, even having some difficulties holding her head straight at times. She cannot talk, although she does make many delightful sounds and enjoys spitting as a means of communication. She wiggles herself around when playing on the floor and will grab items that are small enough to wrap her fist around, which can sometimes include your hair if you're not careful! Mackayla has brought a new adventure to our lives, but especially her mother's, who is determined to give her daughter everything she needs to develop as best as she can.
Due to the unknown and her current development stages, we require several pieces of equipment to help Mackayla in her physical development. Along with her wheelchair that has been given to us by the always amazing IWK, The main piece that we are hoping to get for her is a stander. This piece is not something many people have probably seen, but it's a device that's used to hold Mackayla in a standing position to help strengthen the leg and body muscles she would otherwise not use. It's vital to her physical development, requiring her to use it every day. Unfortunately, we are unable to afford one for Mackayla, and other children are in need of borrowing the one that IWK had previously loaned to us. Her mother, my sister, is a single parent who has put her career on hold on order to work with Mackayla and ensure she gets the attention and arrives at every appointment she needs to attend.
The stander we require costs roughly $3905, which is much more than we are able to afford, even with family helping. We are graciously asking for donations to support funding of the stander that Mackayla requires. Any amount is greatly appreciated. You will be helping a beautiful little girl live her life to the fullest.
Anything above and beyond my goal will go towards future equipment needs for Mackayla's development.
Regards,
Brittany Faulkner
Organizer
Brittany Anne Faulkner
Organizer
Beaver Bank, NS
