A St.Catharines mother is sharing her son's story of survival saying even when the odds were stacked against him, he was a fighter.
Michelle Sanders says during the birth of her first and only child, Everett he did not receive the oxygen his body needed, resulting in a brain injury.
Everett had no heartbeat during the first ten minutes of his life, and was given only a 50% chance of survival.
He was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
After beating the odds during those first first days, Sanders says it was clear her family would need guidance getting Everett the help he needed.
He referred to the Niagara Children’s Centre in St.Catharines for occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech pathology at five months of age.
Sanders says the Centre's team of therapists has given her family hope by setting achievable goals for Everett, who is now three years old, to work towards.
Right now, Everett is working on establishing feeding, speech/communication, walking, and sitting independently.
Sanders is one of the Niagara Children Centre's 'Help Kids Shine' Ambassadors, who will share their stories on NewsTalk 610 CKTB during the month of May.
The month-long fundraising campaign is the single largest fundraiser for the centre and it's financial goal this year is $150,000.
Ken Janzen, the NCC Board Chair says the money raised during 'Help Kids Shine' will help get children off waiting lists and into the therapy sessions they need.
The centre helps 5300 families across Niagara each year.
If you would like to help us make Help Kids Shine a success click here.