Funding for specialized therapies helps kids and youth pursue their passions
For Sara, a 16-year-old from Castlegar, being on the ice is where she feels most herself. She loves to spin and push her body to discover what she’s capable of. Not only is she a dedicated figure skater, she also coaches younger skaters through Skate Canada.
Sara was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a young child, a condition that affects everyone differently. “For me, it affects my walking, my hips, my ankles—especially my right side,” she explains. “Figure skating is still a struggle sometimes because you need your hips turned out for a lot of moves.”
Cerebral palsy affects Sara’s mobility, balance, vision, and muscle alignment. It takes effort and care to maintain proper posture and keep her knees and feet from turning inward. To manage pain, prevent injuries, and improve her mobility, Sara relies on regular physiotherapy. She also does occupational therapy to assist her with time management, organization, and daily tasks—helping her balance school, skating, and life as a teenager.
But the costs of these specialized therapies can quickly become overwhelming. While some public funding exists, it doesn’t cover the full scope and frequency of sessions Sara needs.
Consistency matters. Missing therapy sessions can mean setbacks, increased pain, or a higher risk of injury. These sessions are essential for protecting her body so she can stay active.
Through ongoing funding for physiotherapy and occupational therapy, Variety removes the financial barrier that would otherwise limit Sara’s access to care. This support allows her to focus on strengthening her body and continuing to do what she loves. “Without Variety, it would be hard for me to go to physio and skate and do all the things that I want to do for fun,” she says.
Sara lives with her Nana, Tami, who cares for her and her younger brother. She understands how much this support matters, not just to her, but to her family. “I feel very lucky, because I know not a lot of people get this,” she says. “I know it helps my Nana a lot.”
Thanks to consistent therapy and years of determination, Sara has made remarkable progress. A skating coach who worked with her when she was very young recently saw her again and was amazed at how much she had improved—from struggling to do a single jump to successfully landing several.
Looking ahead, Sara dreams of a future working with people, possibly in healthcare. She’s also a multi-talented musician, playing at least nine instruments and singing. She got her learner’s permit last summer and hopes to one day drive a Ford pickup. Like many teens, she’s still figuring out what comes next—but she knows she wants a future filled with purpose.