Born with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a brain injury caused by lack of oxygen or blood flow to the brain at birth, Anna’s journey began with challenges most children will never face.
From her earliest days, Anna experienced the world a little differently. Doctors could see that her brain had been injured, but in those first months, no one could fully explain what it would mean for her future. Her family lived in uncertainty, navigating appointments and questions without clear answers.
At 18 months, Anna was diagnosed with ataxic cerebral palsy, a condition that affects balance and coordination.
Since birth, Anna has received care at the Glenrose. From neonatal follow-ups to audiology, speech therapy, swim therapy, physical and occupational therapy, adaptive sports, and many other specialized programs, she has been supported every step of the way by a dedicated team of therapists, psychologists, and physicians who have become like family.
“The Glenrose has been a huge lifeline for us. We cannot thank them enough for all that they have brought to her life,” says her mother, Jill.
Through it all, Anna has never allowed her condition to define her. With a brave heart and a bright smile, she’s always been drawn to adventure. The kind of kid climbing to the top of the monkey bars shouting, “Look at me, Mom!” before fearlessly jumping off. That same spirit shines when she rides her adaptive bike or drives her electric jeep, moments that bring her a sense of freedom and independence.
Last summer, Anna faced one of her toughest challenges yet, a tendon-lengthening surgery to correct a crouched gait.
During what should have been a carefree summer, Anna instead spent six long weeks in a cast. Yet, she met that time with remarkable courage and an unshakable spirit.
“She transformed her fears into strength. She had a growing confidence and began accomplishing things she had never done before such as standing and balancing without support,” says occupational therapist, Ciara Petkau.
When Anna returned to the Glenrose for rehabilitation, she flourished once again. She poured determination into every session — from gait training and adaptive sports to her favourite activity, swim therapy.
In the pool, she found relief. The water eased her stiffness and allowed her to move more naturally, giving her freedom to practice movements that felt impossible on land.
Even while navigating her own recovery, Anna continues to think of others. She has become an advocate for new children coming to the Glenrose, introducing them to therapists, offering encouragement, and building friendships. Last November, she received a Glenrose Hospital Foundation Courage Award in recognition of her bravery and kindness.
“I am very proud of how much she thinks of others,” Jill shares. “She is always thinking about how she can help people.”
Looking back at how far Anna has come, Jill shares:
“I don’t think we would be where we are today without the Glenrose.They’ve lifted us up and given us hope all these years. They’ve helped us celebrate milestones, even when Anna wasn’t doing the same things as other kids. The Glenrose gave us our own set of milestones, and they’ve stood beside us to celebrate every one.”
