Eleven-year-old Hayden Cecchini and his family are going the extra mile to demonstrate the value of giving back to the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation’s (CRF) at the annual Cruisin’ to Change Lives event. United as Team Hayden, the Cecchini’s organized a neighbourhood cookie sale and set up an out-of-home nail salon. Their hope and objective: raise enough money to purchase an adapted piece of equipment for another child.
Earlier this year, Hayden received his own specialized bike, thanks to proceeds raised through a major community fundraiser, Red River Co-op Fuel Good Day.
“Hayden’s adaptive bike he received this year has truly opened up a world of independence for him,” shared his mom, Vanessa. “He is now able to ride with his sister safely, go out with friends and be included in the community bike rides.”
Inspired by the joy and freedom the bike brought him, Hayden and his sister Halley came up with fundraising ideas to help another child experience the same feelings.
“We love being able to support our kids with their ideas to help raise money,” explained Adam Cecchini, Hayden’s father. “Watching them get excited to help others is something we are so proud of. It’s been fun giving them some guidance and helping them each with their individual projects.”
CRF has played a pivotal role in Hayden’s journey, offering the family not only leading-edge support but also peace of mind.
“CRF and the Rehabilitation Centre for Children (RCC) has opened up a world of opportunities for our family in terms of care and possibilities for Hayden,” expressed Vannessa. “Every time we’re uncertain about something with his physical health, we’re met with warmth, knowledge and care.”
Beyond appointments, RCC, with supports from CRF, provide essential tools that make a meaningful difference in young lives such as ankle-foot orthotics (AFOs), night bracing equipment, physiotherapy resources and adaptive bikes like Hayden’s.
For the Cecchini’s, Cruisin’ to Change Lives is more than just a fundraiser, it’s a hands-on learning experience that teaches their children the importance of giving back.
“We hope our kids see the importance of making events like Cruisin’ as big as possible,” said Vannessa. “They know first-hand the impact these fundraisers can have on a child, and we hope that drives them to keep making fundraisers like this a priority in their lives now and in the future.”
To learn more about Team Hayden and how you can support their goal, visit the Cruisin’ to Change Lives website.