A 9-year-old girl from Steinbach will celebrate her 10th birthday this spring in a unique way.
Delainey’s mom, Shannon Broesky, says they are raising money to gift 10 modified dolls that will look like the children who receive them.
“It can be a boy or girl, they come in multiple different colours. They can be fitted with glasses, prosthetic leg, a trach, feeding tubes. She can even put scars representing surgeries that the kids have been through, physical abnormalities or disabilities, whether they need a wheelchair,” explains Broesky.
She feels this unique birthday fundraiser is a meaningful way to honour and celebrate her daughter who doesn’t really care for gifts or toys.
“As she’s gotten older, she has found less and less interest in things,” says Broesky. “We don’t really buy her gifts. With her having special needs, she doesn’t really have favourite things.”
Delainey was born with an additional chromosome, trisomy 13. Most people have 23 pairs of chromosomes. A person with a trisomy has 47 chromosomes instead of 46.
Trisomy 13 is a genetic chromosome disorder that can cause intellectual and physical disabilities.
With Delainey not caring about gifts, Broesky feels it’s still important to celebrate her and to give people a chance to give gifts in her honour that will provide joy to other children.
This birthday celebration was inspired by a woman in the United States, Rose Watson, who also has a child with trisomy.
Broesky says Watson gives the dolls away at no cost, using money from her own pocket to pay for supplies. This means the waiting list can get pretty long for children who would really appreciate an inclusive doll.
By paying for some of the supplies, Broesky hopes to reduce the waiting time for these children.
And when Delainey turns 10 years old in April, she will also receive a doll that looks just like her.
Just a few days into this fundraiser, almost $500 in American funds has been raised. Broesky had hoped to collect $600 American which would pay for 10 dolls. Given this incredible response, she has decided to continue collecting donations until April 1st to coincide with Delainey’s birthday.
If this is something you would like to be a part of, connect with Shannon Broesky at shannonbroesky@gmail.com and remember, when sending e-transfer donations to indicate the money is to to go to 'Delaineys Dolls.'
Dolls vary between $60-$120 (US) and Broesky says every dollar will make a difference and is appreciated.
Fri, May 17, 10:30 AM
Full-time, Hourly, Permanent, Entry-Level, Labour, Retail, Sales
Featured
