Therapy and tutoring support Rebecca as she grows
As a baby, Rebecca’s chance to shine came early. She played the star guiding the shepherds in a Christmas play—dressed in a star suit made of cardboard and shiny paper.
Now seven, Rebecca continues to be a creative child who loves colouring, making art and singing in the car. She loves playing with her siblings—Bella and Rafael (12 and 10), and her younger sister, Abigail (six). Plus, she’ll get two new siblings in the new year, as her mom Carla is expecting twins.
Rebecca also has Down syndrome—involving speech, learning, and mobility delays. Carla describes feeling lost and alone, frustrated by the lack of support as she and her husband Blair learned how to care for Rebecca. Carla and Blair are supporting their family on a single income, and the cost of therapy was out of reach.
Variety stepped in to fund speech and physical therapy during Rebecca’s early years. Having access to funds without having to wait has supported Rebecca’s growth and learning, giving her the skills she needs to gain more independence now and in the future.
“I still watch over her, but she has gained skills to move on her own. Using the playground has become safer because she’s stronger,” says Carla.
Rebecca is also discovering the world of reading. She receives one-on-one reading lessons at the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation through a tuition grant. Dr. Suess books are her favourites, and Carla is excited for the day Rebecca will read The Cat in the Hat and other Suess classics on her own.
“For us, it’s very important that we make the time and take her to the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation because that’s an area where she can gain this knowledge that the regular school doesn’t provide,” Carla says.
Rebecca is very close with her siblings, but being at school can be lonely. Thankfully, her school is supportive and trying to find opportunities for Rebecca to relate to her classmates. “My hope is that through her new speech, other kids will get to know her and spend time with her,” says Carla.
And Rebecca keeps learning new words and ways to communicate. “It makes me feel joy because I’m not the expert to pretend that I can teach her certain things,” her mom says. “That’s why we drive back and forth and take the time for these lessons. It’s worth it. It’s worth the drive, it’s worth being tired, it’s worth the gas.”
Rebecca continues to be the star of her own story and a light to her family and friends. “She has her own time, just like any other child. She is a gift for all of us.”