This year, Canada Cares is raising money to support families with young children with disabilities and frail older adults who have been adversely affected by COVID-19. Our goal is to raise $10,000 during our Giving Tuesday outreach.
Meet Judy, Josie and Sal
My name is Sal. I am 17 years old and for the past five years I have had the opportunity to work with and become close to Judy Smith’s daughter, Josie. Josie was born with Down syndrome and an array of other complex medical conditions, including a hole in her heart and a malformed intestine, requiring serious lifesaving abdominal surgery at five days old. She was later diagnosed with moderate to severe Crohn’s Disease, along with osteoporosis, immune system irregularities, anxiety and autism.
With every diagnosis, I witness Judy’s resilience and strength, showing Josie that her mental and physical disabilities do not define what she can and cannot do. My wish is to have the driveway paved for Josie and her mum. It is currently muddy and in terrible shape which makes it almost impossible to get the pushchair or wheelchair out to the car so she can go to school or go on outings.
*Names and pictures have been changed to protect privacy.
