A young child named Leo beams with joy as he experiences his first moments walking in a special green device, his hands tightly gripping the handlebars while his feet push off the ground, aided by a robotic walker. Leo’s mother, Inna Begelfer, looks on with a beaming smile.
Leo was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder at six months old, and initially, a doctor informed the family that he would never walk. However, Leo’s recent strides have astonished his family. Begelfer expressed her excitement, saying, “He did amazing. I have butterflies. My son can walk. Yeah, he’s disabled, but he still has the option of walking, which is amazing.”
This groundbreaking mobility device, known as Trexo, was introduced to Leo for the first time. It is the initial device of its kind in the province, obtained by the Regina-based non-profit First Steps Wellness Centre through a generous anonymous donation.
Designed to aid children with mobility challenges resulting from spinal cord injuries or neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, Trexo offers a wide range of assistance. According to Andy Schmidt, the community director of First Steps Wellness Centre, the device can assist children in taking their initial steps or improving their walking pattern.
Trexo operates with several motors situated at the hips and knees of each leg to monitor the child’s movements within the walker. It can either provide partial assistance or entirely move the child’s legs, offering a collaborative walking experience. The device’s technology allows staff members to control speed and resistance through a connected tablet.
Schmidt emphasized the advancements in robotics technology, noting that Trexo’s capabilities, including backward movement, set it apart from previous models. Unlike some other devices, Trexo establishes contact with the ground, providing better support and feedback for the child’s bones.
Although primarily intended for children aged two to six, Trexo can accommodate children up to eight years old depending on their physical attributes. Interested families can contact the centre for a complimentary assessment to determine their child’s suitability for the device.
The non-profit’s dedication to serving the community is evident, with Schmidt highlighting that there is no waitlist for accessing the device. Thanks to the charitable donation, the centre can offer up to six hours of daily device usage, supporting numerous families in need.
Leo’s journey defies initial expectations, showcasing remarkable progress since using the Trexo walker. Despite being non-verbal, Leo has achieved milestones like independent eating and taking his first steps with the walker. Begelfer expressed optimism about Leo’s future progress with the device, believing that he will continue to achieve more significant milestones.
The heartwarming story of Leo’s progress serves as a beacon of hope for families facing similar challenges, highlighting the transformative impact of innovative technologies like the Trexo walker.
