Kaleigh's Story / George Jeffrey Children's Foundation / Thunder Bay, Ontario

Kaleigh's Story

February 28, 2019

Kaleigh was born with Trisomy 21, the most common form of Down Syndrome. This meant Kaleigh immediately began receiving care from George Jeffrey Children's Centre as an infant. She has continued making weekly visits for over a decade.

Kaleigh's care started with Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy was eventually added to the roster. Cindy (Kaleigh's mom) fondly shared, "We have always been impressed with the level of service we have received and over the years have grown very fond of our therapists." Kaleigh is now 15, and has graduated from the Physiotherapy program, but continues with Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy on a consultative basis.

"One thing we appreciate about the Centre is their respect for the individualism of each child and family, as well as the professional manner in which goals are addressed and evaluated on a regular basis," said Cindy. At the heart of Kaleigh's care, the focus is on what is best for Kaleigh, to help her along her journey to being the most independent young adult as possible - with consideration to the family's individual lifestyle, beliefs, and practices.

"It is hard for me to imagine what it would be like to not have George Jeffrey in our lives. It is one of the few places in town where I can walk in the door feeling relaxed and comfortable regardless of the type of day my child is having. Where there is an unspoken understanding when you make eye contact with other parents in the waiting room. Where you know that everyone there 'gets it' and is ready to celebrate your child's success with you - success that may seem small to other parents but to a George Jeffrey parent is huge!

Eventually, our time with George Jeffrey will end and we will need to look for other services and programs. However, we cannot thank the Centre enough for all they have given us over the years. We look forward to what the future holds for Kaleigh!"