Ayla’s Journey
The birth of our first granddaughter, Ayla, was a moment filled with anticipation and joy—a celebration of new life and the beginning of a beautiful chapter for our family. But the excitement we felt that day quickly turned as we learned that Ayla had suffered a preventable brain injury at birth, leading to stage 5 quadriplegic cerebral palsy. In an instant, our lives were forever changed, and what should have been a time of happiness became a journey through uncertainty.
Yet through the challenges, Ayla has been a shining light in our lives. Her strength and resilience have inspired us in ways we never imagined. She may face obstacles most of us could never comprehend, but Ayla’s spirit and determination remind us daily of the power of love, hope, and family. It is through our love for her that we have found the strength to turn our pain into purpose.
Ayla’s journey is now a call to action—a catalyst for change. Her story has shown us that there is much work to be done to ensure no other child suffers the way she has. By sharing her experience, we hope to bring attention to the systemic gaps in accountability and support for families affected by birth injuries. Ayla may not yet understand the impact she is having, but her courage is paving the way for a brighter future for the babies who come after her.
We believe that Ayla’s life is meant to make a difference—not just for her, but for countless others. Her journey reminds us that even in the face of heartache, love and determination can spark change. For Ayla, and for every child who deserves a better start in life, we will continue to fight for justice, accountability, and for a healthcare system that protects the most vulnerable. Ayla’s story is not just about pain—it’s about the hope for a better tomorrow.
Understanding Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability in children, impacting over 50,000 individuals in Canada and 17 million worldwide. The condition affects muscle control and body movement, and is often accompanied by a range of symptoms including seizures, pain, vision impairment, scoliosis, and developmental delays. For many children with CP, like Ayla, the challenges are overwhelming. But we know that with the right care, therapy, and support, there is still hope.
The Road Ahead: A Global Pursuit of Better Care
Throughout this journey, Jenna and Dave have been Ayla’s biggest advocates. They have sought advice from specialists and scientists across the globe, diving deep into new research and therapies.
This past summer and fall, Ayla embarked on a new chapter in her treatment. She travelled to India for a clinical trial with a cutting-edge company called Cytotron. This company has developed a revolutionary machine that helps break through damaged parts of the brain, stimulating the creation of new neural pathways. This technology is showing great promise not only for brain injuries, but also for conditions like dementia and Parkinson's disease.
I’m Who I’m Meant to Be: Building a Legacy of Support
In addition to her therapies, Ayla’s story has become a catalyst for positive change. A touching story written by my sister and published in 2022, was shared with a guest who was so moved, she passed it on to Antony Robart, the lead anchor at Global News. The power of Ayla’s journey continues to inspire and connect people across the country.
Through all of this, we’ve also realized that there’s a greater purpose—supporting families who are affected by traumatic brain injuries, disabilities, and grief. Seven years ago, we came up with the idea of creating a glamping resort called Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat in Grafton, Ontario. We launched an event called Camp Moonlight, a fundraiser to support families who are navigating the challenges of brain injuries.
Camp Moonlight: A Weekend of Hope and Healing
The Camp Moonlight event founded by Nancy and John, was held at Whispering Springs, and it brought together families from across Canada who are living with traumatic brain injuries. Over the course of two days, families from Nova Scotia, Quebec, Northern Ontario, and British Columbia gathered for an unforgettable experience. The event was designed not only as a getaway but also as a way to help families cope with their grief, connect with others in similar situations, and find strength in their shared experiences.
It was a transformative experience for everyone involved, and it highlighted one crucial lesson: Early therapy and intensive care are key for children with disabilities like cerebral palsy. Intensive therapy, in particular, accelerates progress and helps improve functional outcomes.
Aligning with Charities: Making a Bigger Impact
As we move forward, we are proud to align ourselves with some incredible organizations that are also making a difference in the lives of children with serious illnesses:
Jennifer Ashleigh Children's Charity: Founded by Nancy and Norm Clements after the tragic loss of two granddaughters, this charity has raised over $81 million to support families with seriously ill children in Ontario.
Noah’s Clubhouse: Created by Bridgette after the loss of her son Noah to cerebral palsy complications, Noah’s Clubhouse provides financial support for families needing therapy for children with CP.
Through the Camp Moonlight Giving Fund, we were able to raise $50,000 to support these two incredible charities, and we hope to continue expanding this network of support for families in need.
We Love Joy Inc.: A Publishing Venture with a Purpose
In addition to our fundraising efforts, We Love Joy was created by Nancy and Jayne. We Love Joy has been helping to raise awareness and funds through her book series. These books are written from the heart and designed to uplift and inspire families going through tough times. A portion of the profits from each book goes toward supporting Ayla’s therapy and helping other families access the care they need. We’ve just published our fifth book, and it’s been a meaningful way for us to give back while raising awareness.
How You Can Make a Difference
There are many ways you can support this mission and make a tangible impact:
Donate $2,500 to either The Jennifer Ashleigh Children's Charity or Noah’s Clubhouse. In return, we will place a special thank-you plaque at one of our glamping tent sites for the season.
Attend our fundraiser event, “An Evening Under the Moon”, Last year Camp Moonlight was launched, and we are planning another event - Stay tuned! Enjoy a beautiful dinner, live music under the stars, and stay in one of our luxurious deluxe safari tents. Tickets are $250 each, or $1,100 for a couple to enjoy dinner, live music, and an overnight stay.
Donate products or services for our fundraising events. If you have something you’d like to contribute, please contact us.
Buy a book from the We Love Joy series on Amazon. Every purchase supports Ayla’s therapies and helps families in need.
Be kind—reach out and lend a helping hand to a family going through difficult times. Your support, whether through a kind word or an act of generosity, can make all the difference.
At Empowering Safer Care, we believe in the power of community, the importance of early intervention, and the unyielding hope that drives us to keep fighting. Ayla’s journey may have started with uncertainty, but we are determined to create a future full of possibilities. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of children and families navigating the challenges of cerebral palsy and other disabilities.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. We look forward to the future with hope, and with your help, we will continue to make the world a safer, more supportive place for every child.
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