Bicycle Bob races 79 KM in support of children living with a disability
Lexie is a gentle, positive young woman with a caring disposition and natural ability to connect with youth. Her warmth and empathy shine as she works to help others. Born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Lexie’s journey has been one of resilience and growth. Early on, her cognitive and physical development progressed differently, often leaving her feeling isolated as she navigated her surroundings. Around the age of one, after numerous clinic visits and therapy sessions, Lexie was formally diagnosed with FASD.
“We did occupational and speech and language therapy at the Rehabilitation Centre for Children,” Lexie’s mother, Nicole, recalls. “Really honestly, any therapies there were that could help her live the best life she could with FASD.”
Determined to give Lexie every opportunity to succeed, Nicole ensured she attended every appointment. It was during one of these sessions that Nicole learned about the FASD Family Network Youth Leadership Program, funded by the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation and delivered by Momenta, a Manitoba organization specializing in accessible outdoor programming.
Through this program, Lexie developed essential professional and life skills which opened new doors.
“The FASD Family Network Youth Leadership Program set Lexie up for success,” says Sara Harrison, Facilitator and Co-Founder of Momenta Inc. “Participants gain outdoor skills, mentorship experience and critical workplace skills like communication, problem-solving and leadership.”
Lexie excelled in the program and, after aging out, felt a strong connection to Momenta as an inclusive and accessible space where she wanted to work.
“One day, she came in asking for a job and I immediately got excited,” shares Lise Brown, Facilitator and Co-Founder of Momenta.
Today, Lexie thrives in her role at Momenta, bringing a unique and valuable perspective to her team.
“She notices things other staff don’t notice,” Sara explains. “She has a natural intuition, stepping in to connect with kids before challenges arise—asking if they’re okay or just spending time with them.”
Lexie’s adventures with Momenta have been many, from instructing at Nature Club to working with the FASD Bloodvein program and War Lake First Nation. During trips up north, she shares her love of photography, capturing and posting sunsets in the shared Momenta photo album.
“Lexie loves sunsets,” Lise adds. “We can always count on getting a beautiful sunset photo from her almost every day.”
Lexie’s growth has enriched Momenta’s community and also been a profound source of pride and joy for her mother, Nicole.
“It’s honestly amazing to me,” Nicole says tearfully. “Watching her grow from a little girl into a woman and seeing all the incredible things she does—traveling, working and thriving—it’s beautiful to witness.”
The Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation proudly supports programs for youth living with FASD, working closely with Momenta to deliver transformative opportunities. If you would like to support these initiatives, please consider donating at crf.mb.ca.