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Jessica Coriat wasn’t supposed to walk or talk, much less grow up to be an independent, outgoing teenager. But that was before she came to Bloorview.
Jessica has cerebral palsy which affects her mobility and her vision. She’s had several surgeries and too much therapy in her young life. But thanks to Bloorview, her orthopedic surgeon, and her family, she’s thriving.
Bloorview is a home away from home for Jessica, who first came here for an assessment when she was 1 year old. Now she’s 18, and participating in Bloorview’s Skills for Transition Program, which coaches teens like her in life skills, such as using public transit and preparing meals.
For parents like the Coriats, who only have one child, it is perhaps the most pervasive worry – what will happen to our child when we’re no longer here and there are no other siblings to oversee her future? Bloorview’s renowned Life Skills and Transitions Programs teach the skills that enable children to grow up ready to lead active, independent lives, and just may be the most life saving of all.
Jessica has come a long way since she first arrived at Bloorview. Her parents, David and Lynn, want to make sure other kids get the same opportunities. That’s why they pledged $1 million to Bloorview last year to establish The Coriat Family Life Skills and Transitions Fund. Says David Coriat, “Life Skills and Transitions Programs are some of the most important programs for kids with disabilities, but these programs don’t get government funding. I am one of the lucky parents who can afford to pay for services, but there are many families who are not as fortunate. Our donation is a way to say thank you to Bloorview and to help other kids like Jess.”
It’s exceptional generosity like the Coriats’ that propels Bloorview’s mission on behalf of kids with disabilities.
And what’s next for Jessica? She says learning how to prepare meals is just a beginning. Apart from meeting new people, Jessica loves nothing better than watching the Food Network. Jessica plans to become a chef.
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Image above: Jessica Coriat cooking in The Bay Street Children’s Foundation’s Apartment for Daily Living at Bloorview.
Jessica and her parents.