Grant funding gives Grace regular speech and physio therapy, helping her grow stronger and more independent everyday
Colleen and Tim are raising their three children—Quinn, Grace and Andromeda—in Victoria, where they both grew up. The family spends much of their time together and enjoys this stage of life. “The kids just love hanging out, playing with each other all the time,” Colleen says.
Their second child Grace was born with Down syndrome and a congenital heart condition that required surgery when she was only four months old. After the operation, she couldn’t move freely for several weeks, slowing some of her early physical development. As she grew, it became clear she would need extra support to build strength and develop her speech.
“She hit a bit of a plateau,” Colleen explains. “We felt like she would excel further and quicker with private, one-on-one care. We just wanted her to succeed in every way she can.”
However, the cost of private therapy sessions adds up quickly, especially when they are frequent and ongoing. Grace’s therapy providers encouraged Tim and Colleen to apply to Variety BC for funding to help ensure their daughter can access the regular sessions she needed. Since 2022, the family has received speech and physiotherapy grants from Variety, relieving financial pressure and allowing Grace to get consistent support.
“Her physio and speech therapists give us tools,” Colleen says. “They’ll say, ‘Try this exercise,’ or ‘Here’s another way to encourage speech.’ And then we can practice at home.”
Not only is the funding a relief for parents stressed about how to pay for support, getting care early in Grace’s development can make a big difference in her long-term wellbeing. Thanks to regular therapy, Grace is making significant progress, especially in strengthening her muscle tone.
“She needs to stay active to keep those muscles going. Without that support, it limits what she can do going forward—whether that’s playing sports, climbing a mountain, or playing with her siblings,” Colleen says.
At four and a half, Grace is now not only walking, she is almost at the point of being able to run. She loves dancing, singing and exploring her surroundings. “She’s got an amazing personality, she’s an incredible gift,” Colleen says.
Grace’s health will continue to change as she grows and her parents are able to balance planning for the future while focusing on the present. “Life with Grace is like that country song quote,” Tim says. “‘Life is a dance. You learn as you go. Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow.’”
For Grace and her family, funding from Variety means more opportunities and choices—more ways for her to grow and express herself. Looking ahead, Colleen hopes for Grace what all parents hope for their children: “A normal life. The chance to work, to live independently, to have the same opportunities as anyone else.”