As a travel writer, I’m constantly on the go, exploring new places and meeting new people. Above all, my favourite trips are the ones that I take with my family. I truly enjoy sharing my love for exploring the world with my three boys, showing them the beauty and diversity that this world has to offer.
Travel is going to look different now.
When I was pregnant with my middle prince, Jamie, I found out that he would be born with clubfeet. In utero, there was nothing we could do, but we started treatment for clubfeet at SickKids when he was just 5 weeks old. He was in a cast from his hips to his toes, casted and re-casted weekly, as his feet changed.
He had surgery on his Achilles tendon at about 3 months old, and then more casts. Finally, he graduated to boots and a bar, a specially created brace for clubfeet. We called them his ‘magic boots,’ and he wore them for 23 hours a day. After his first year of life, he wore them for 12 hours a day.
Our time at SickKids was so important. It became a special outing for Jamie and me, a chance to connect and build a deep bond. The staff was so supportive, understanding, and empathetic. I learned about clubbed feet but also, being a mother. I am so grateful for SickKids, it’s amazing orthopedic department and world class treatments. I’ve met so many other SickKids parents who credit this hospital to saving and/or dramatically changing their lives.
Wearing his magic boots was part of life until just a few weeks ago when he turned 5. He is now finished his treatment and can enjoy family trips, just like his brothers.
If you’re travelling with a clubfoot cutie, here are 3 tips:
- Pack your boots and bar in your hand luggage
Prescribed boots and bars are expensive. In a world where luggage sometimes doesn’t make it to your destination with you, losing your child’s specialty medical gear would be a disaster. Keep it in your hand luggage where you know it will stay safe and sound.
- Keep your boots somewhere safe
Store your boots somewhere safe where they won’t get damaged or lost. Avoid having them in the sand or near the pool make sure they stay in the best condition possible.
- Don’t stress if they miss a night
It’s not the end of the world and won’t totally thwart their development. Sometimes kids need a break too.
When I think of life changing treatments that so many kids receive at SickKids, I am grateful that we have access to this fantastic hospital. That’s why giving back, especially during the holidays, is so important. SickKids is making it easier than ever for you.
In fact, it’s something that you can add to your travel itinerary, which for me, makes sense.
If you sign-up to become a SickKids Monthly Donor by December 31, your monthly donations will be triple matched every month.
Donations like yours will make a big difference to many lives, like Jamie’s.
***In partnership with SickKids