With summer coming to an end, kids are hanging up their sunhats and are picking out brand-new backpacks for the school year ahead. While it’s an exciting time for many, it becomes a challenging period of transition for families caring for a seriously ill child.
5-year-old Yaro lives with a brain malformation and epilepsy. Most of his days are filled with doctor’s appointments and therapy sessions, sadly causing him to miss out on common childhood activities like playtime with friends.
The complexity of Yaro’s diagnoses also makes it difficult for him to have a regular school experience. Last year, due to issues with his medical requirements, Yaro was unable to start school alongside his peers and missed the first two months of class. While in the classroom, he also heavily relies on medical assistance from a nurse daily.
“[Yaro’s seizures] can happen at any point, so he requires a personal nurse to go with him,” shared Starlight mom, Valeriya. “If the nurse is unavailable or gets sick and can’t go into school, it means Yaro can’t go to school.”
While Yaro is getting back to school ready, Toys“R”Us Canada is right by his side.
As Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada’s leading national supporter, Toys“R”Us Canada realizes the hardships that families like Yaro’s face during this time and all year-round. This back to school season, and in celebration of our 25th year of partnership, Toys“R”Us Canada is helping us get first day ready by making sure children like Yaro know that they are not alone – and so can you.
When shopping at Toys“R”Us Canada for the school year ahead until September 2, join the generous staff and customers in bringing joy to sick kids across the country with a donation to Starlight Canada. Your support will help provide families like Yaro’s with moments of comfort, relief, and hope during their most vulnerable moments – from hospital to home.
You can spread the magic onto paper too at your local Toys“R”Us Canada store with a back to school themed colouring activity! Available on September 2, get your creativity flowing and design an artistic masterpiece worthy of an A+!
We have even more fun to look forward to this year with Toys“R”Us Canada during our 25th year of friendship, so stay tuned!