Like winning the lottery over and over again
One of Tekarah greatest achievements at Bloorview Kids Rehab was “waking up,” says her mother Shannon, “and being able to go to therapy and participate, because her illness took everyone by surprise, as she lay in a state of unconsciousness for nearly three months.”
Seven-year-old Tekarah came to Bloorview for therapy for CNS Small Vessel Vasculitis, which is a rare disease of the immune system resulting in an Acquired Brain Injury.
“Bloorview was the “key holder” in her recovery, as she had to relearn everything all over again from walking, talking, eating and so on. So waking up was the greatest achievement that lead to many many other achievements in her recovery,” says Shannon. “It was like winning the lottery over and over again! It’s all we could say, even when she had difficulties achieving her next goal.”
Tekarah was discharged from Bloorview just in time to receive her trophy from her soccer team even though she had only played with her team once that season. “She was very, very excited that they did, and can’t wait for this year’s soccer season to start. That wouldn't have been possible without the efforts of all at Bloorview,” Shannon says.
Tekarah’s favorite programs at Bloorview were the playroom and school, “cause I love to play and do crafts.”
Her mother says, “We still have her “forced” paintings and work she completed in these programs to remind us of how lucky we are to have an organization like Bloorview and the volunteers and staff to support us.”
If Tekarah could meet anyone famous it would be Hannah Montana because she loves her and wants to be her, so much that you would think her bedroom was Hannah Montana’s dressing room.
Tekarah returned back to her grade 2 classroom for the first time in late February of this year. She was welcomed by all her friends with endless hugs and “we missed yous.” She is still receiving extra help from all school staff and continues to have regular follow-ups with Bloorview to ensure she is recovering on the right path. She still has trouble with things as she is still in the relearning process, but if you ask her she would simply tell you that “I love to go to school!”
Tekarah continues to talk about Bloorview on a regular basis and about all the friends she made while she was there.
