Motion’s goal is always to provide an exceptional client experience. It is on a mission to deliver solutions that make a difference in people’s lives while fostering relationships that last. This mission is evident from the many positive client testimonials received and the client stories shared. This is one of those stories shared by Julie Keon.
Our incredible 22-year-old daughter, Meredith, was diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy just days after her birth in 2003. An MRI determined she had suffered a profound brain injury due to a hypoxic event during labour. As a result, her care has been astounding, and we have relied on countless professionals to support us along the way.
Due to her disabilities, Meredith has required lots of therapies and equipment. One of these items is a standing frame, which she started using as soon as she was able to bear weight. Standers of yesteryear were more like mini torture chambers, and so she despised them for good reason.
In 2020, Meredith had a rare but remarkable growth spurt, and her stander at that time was no longer comfortable or workable. After trying the Leckey Horizon Stander in July 2021, we knew it was the one that could make a world of difference for Meredith. This dream was short-lived as the COVID-19 pandemic dragged on. By the time the pandemic started to wind down, the vendor who had promised to help us had essentially ghosted us. In the meantime, Meredith transitioned into the adult world, and the funding we had secured for her new stander was no longer available.
And that’s where this story takes a turn. After a desperate call to Motion, Harrison was assigned to the task and quickly arrived to assess the situation.
Naturally, our expectations were low after so many disappointments and dead ends. [LAST NAME] arrived that day with enthusiasm, genuine concern, kindness, positivity and tremendous insight, skill and experience. After spending a good amount of time measuring, considering, troubleshooting, brainstorming and listening to everything about Meredith and her unique needs, he returned with a plan in mind and the reassurance that he would follow through. We were cautiously hopeful.
True to his words, he kept us informed with each step, including when and why delays occurred. Finally, in May 2024, we received the Cadillac of standing frames. I cannot say enough about LAST NAME and how he genuinely cares about his clients. His creativity and determination are life-changing for those who are in need. What an asset he is to Motion!
It is important to note that although the time spent with each client and family is brief, it can have a profound and lasting impact on those served. We could not provide the comfort and quality of life to Meredith without the expertise and kindness of those who do this valuable work and for that we are deeply and forever grateful.
A Note from Stefanie Laurence
I met Meredith in 2013 at the request of the therapist and sales consultant to look at neck collars to keep her head up. She was unable to maintain a seated position. She was held most of the time and screamed if seated on a cushion (that is the first picture with her striped top). The issue was so much more than just a neck collar.
I went back with the seating components and was able to mock up a possible seating solution (those are the pictures with the pink pants). At the time, her mom laughed and called me the “Meredith Whisperer” because their little lady tried to fight being seated, but when she realized I wasn’t giving in, had offloaded her butt and was giving her firm supportive seating, she settled right down. I left the potential solution with her team to follow through. Mom was so happy, she gave me a jar of the dad’s homemade crab apple jelly.
I was so touched by the love and dedication of this couple for their daughter, and the honesty the mom had about their frustrations. From time to time, I read her blog posts to see where the family is at. How fitting that their home was on Truelove Street. People talk about how much we touch people’s lives by providing equipment solutions. I can honestly say there are clients who touch our lives and stay with us forever.
preferred seated position.
surface based on the assessment.
working with her reactions.
Stefanie may be reached at stefanie.laurence@motioncares.ca.
Stefanie Laurence, B.Sc.OT, OT Reg. (Ont),wants to live in a world where every wheelchair is perfectly fitted, comfortable, functional and used correctly. As an occupational therapist and clinical educator for Motion, she’s been on her soapbox for over 35 years at colleges, universities, group homes, hospitals and conferences across North America, and even as far as Europe. When she’s not teaching about seating and mobility equipment, you can find her with her arms wrapped around a client, helping to create a custom seating system, or elbows deep with a team to sort out a challenge.
Julie can be reached through her website at www.whatiwouldtellyou.com.
Julie Keon, RSSW, is the author of “What I Would Tell You ~ One Mother’s Adventure in Medical Fragility.”She is dedicated to supporting families like her own and the professionals who care for them through her writing, workshops, presentations and keynote addresses. Keon resides in Ottawa Valley, Canada, with her husband and their extraordinary daughter, Meredith.