'Santa's helpers' gift Miami 3-year-old with health challenges a special toy Jeep

Santa's Helpers gift Miami 3-year-old with health challenges a special toy Jeep

CORAL GABLES — A Miami 3-year-old boy with health challenges was given independence thanks to a special gift from "Santa's helpers."

  One 3-year-old boy in Miami with health challenges received a helping hand when he was gifted a special toy Jeep that allows him to move on his own. USAHS/Beber Silverstein Group

Connor doesn't get to play like other kids his age because of health-related limitations that make it difficult for him to sit up without assistance. So, students and faculty at the Miami campus of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) gifted him the freedom to move around unassisted with a modified toy Jeep.

The aspiring physical therapists and occupational therapists modified Connor's Jeep and other toys to meet their patients' unique and individual needs. In addition to the ride-along toys, students have also modified "press and play" activity boards for younger children. All of this is made possible thanks to the national Go Baby Go initiative, and USAHS's effort is the only one in South Florida.

On Saturday morning, students presented the toy Jeep to Connor and his parents, where he drove freely with glee.

Rosie DeFeo, an assistant professor in the DPT program and a RESNA Assistive Technology Professional, says students learn to appreciate their role in helping patients interact with their world and explore ways to integrate technology in their practice. The kids' smiles are an added perk.

Families are referred to USAHS by local providers and the toys are provided free of charge thanks to corporate and private donations.

Read more
f

We and our partners use cookies to understand how you use our site, improve your experience and serve you personalized content and advertising. Read about how we use cookies in our cookie policy and how you can control them by clicking Manage Settings. By continuing to use this site, you accept these cookies.