Stories From Families

The incredible staff at JMCC have become like family to us. I truly owe Dash’s therapists my life because I don’t know where he would be without them. Dash became involved with John McGivney right after his first birthday. He has HIE (hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy), Cerebral Palsy, and global developmental delay. He is 6 years old now and thriving.

Ezra has a genetic disorder called Galloway-Mowat Syndrome.  We didn’t find this out until later in Ezras life. Ezra will be 4 in May, and he was 9 months old when we started our JMCC journey. Our first appointment was with the amazing Marie O’Neil. That appointment was a life-changing day for our whole family. Marie was the first person to really listen and help me get answers that nobody else could give us. From that day forward, we never felt like we were alone in this ever again. We finally had a team, a family, with JMCC. 

JMCC is the BEST! I've had all of my various therapies and other accommodations through the Centre since I was a baby and I still go there for some stuff! It has been a huge part of my life and the therapists and staff really do their best to boost clients' confidence alongside helping them gain the most independence they can. 

We wouldn't be where we are today without the help of JMCC.  Madalayna was diagnosed at 5 months old with a rare genetic disease called Malignant Infantile Osteopetrosis.  JMCC met with us almost immediately after our lengthy hospital stays. We started right way in 2017 with two wonderful ladies. Julie our Occupational Therapist and Linda our Physical Therapist. With the help of these two ladies and the support and tools given to us they helped Madalayna in leaps and bounds.   Madalayna is now a happy 5 year old girl who goes to school and is doing amazing for what she has been through.  She would have a different story if we didn't have JMCC in our corner with us and we are truly grateful for their services.

Maxie was born prematurely at 27 weeks, for reasons we have no answers to. He arrived with only a heartbeat by emergency C-section. He was saved by the amazing NICU staff who he stayed with for 3 months. After coming home we were soon connected with John McGivney. Max has low muscle tone, and delays with speech, gross, and fine motor skills. We work with PT, OT, and Speech. Bonnie, Louise, and Dragana are wonderful! They love Max and we feel that! Max continues to grow and learn and get stronger with each passing day. These ladies have been here for Max and for us as a family and for this, we are extremely grateful! We love you, JMCC! 

Our William is a sweet, silly 2 1/2 year old with Down Syndrome. We first met the JMCC team when he was 2 months old. They've walked with us through his changing needs, and cheered with us for all his (literal) steps and accomplishments. Our team members Kristin, Louise and Dragana go above and beyond to inform, guide, support and help us advocate for William. They are always available to answer our questions, and ready with tools and resources to help William learn and thrive. He loves his physical, occupational and speech therapy sessions, and we always appreciate the practical advice we receive. We are ever thankful for the dedication and genuine support JMCC has provided for our family.

Through our work with the team at JMCC, we have gained a better understanding of what adjustments we can make or what tools Jacob needs to ensure he has the fullest life he can have. I am so grateful to the Centre for all that they have taught Jacob and me. I don't know what we would do without them.