Jaycee Abrams

Meet Jaycee

Her Story

Jaycee was born on January 20, 2022. She lived a quiet life and was very easy to care for. Around 9 months old, it became clear that she wasn't reaching her milestones.

Rigorous testing followed, including an MRI, genetic testing, (including the most advanced genome sequencing available).

Her Diagnoses

At this point, no one is quite sure what the root of Jaycee's unique situation is. She has many sub-diagnosis:

  • Severe Hypotonia (low muscle tone)
  • Global Development Delay
  • Focal Epilepsy
  • Hip Migration
  • Functional Scoliosis
  • Strabismus
  • and more keep getting added to the list

Her brain scan, DNA sequencing and all other tests tried have revealed nothing conclusive. The medical community is stumped!

She is undergoing further testing to see if they can pinpoint the source of Jaycee's unique condition.

Her Treatment

The Abrams family has a long road ahead. In the past 2.5 years they have had regular visits with specialists, occupational and physiotherapists, and equipment techs. Over 40 different specialists and therapists have been involved, and the team keeps growing.

In search of meaningful progress, Jaycee’s family found Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) — a therapy designed to stimulate brain-muscle connection. At Stable Connections in Winnipeg, Jaycee’s progress has been tangible:

  • Pain relief from previously unexplained hip issues
  • Improved sleep
  • Early signs of core strength and self-bracing
  • More vocalizations — a critical step toward communication

This fall, Jaycee will attend a 3-week therapy intensive in Calgary, combining multiple daily sessions with focused goals: independent sitting, stronger motor skills, and clearer communication. Every week and every repetition counts — her brain is most receptive now, and the window for major developmental gains is small.

Her Needs

Jaycee's unique position requires some special accommodations and therapies. As such, the Abrams family is facing some large expenses in coming years. While there are several programs and grants available through the government, these do not come close to covering everything.

The government will fund the conversion of a vehicle only if it is less than three years old and less than 60,000 kms, however, they only do one rear entry ramp in the entire province per year. As a family of six, the rear entry isn’t an option. The other option they give is a swing out side passenger seat where Jaycee would have to be transferred from the wheelchair into the vehicle seat. It is a very slow mechanism (not good for winter!) and Jaycee would need to be lifted every time. As she gets older—and so do John and Nicole—that would not be ideal. Her wheelchair is very heavy.

They are looking to purchase a used, low km, Toyota Sienna that is already converted with a side ramp. This is the best option to fit their family and keep the trunk space available for transporting equipment.

By the time Jaycee was three, they were beginning to think she was regressing—losing strength and skills. They discovered a clinic nearby that offered a therapy Nicole had seen online called Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI), a huge blessing as very few clinics in Canada offer this therapy. Her treatment at this clinic includes Hippotherapy - physical therapy on horses. After the first appointment, significant improvements were noticed. They are hopeful this will increase her gross and fine motor skills which in turn will help increase her communication, make for safer eating, reduce pain, etc.

You can check it out at stableconnections.ca

Research has proven that doing Therapy Intensives (multiple therapy sessions per day for weeks at a time) bring about the most significant progress. This is because they help form pathways in the brain to develop skills. The brain best learns new skills in the early years of life. The Abrams are scheduled to go to Calgary in fall for three weeks for Jaycee's first Therapy Intensive with the goal of gaining Independent Sitting. Provided there is definite improvement, the goal is to do up to six Therapy Intensives over the next 5 years.

For more information check out: Therapy Intensives | Canadian Centre for Development

The Abrams would love to turn their existing covered deck into a four-season sunroom as Jaycee cannot keep the bugs off of herself but LOVES being outside. It would also be great for hosting space as it is much easier to host with Jaycee's equipment and accessibility needs. John would build it to reduce the cost.

The Abrams have coverage for 20 cents/km for most appointments, however this doesn't cover all the fuel, let alone wear and tear on their vehicle with all the city driving or parking. Remember the team of 40 specialists? That's a lot of appointments!

Jaycee will be getting a hospital bed to make it easier to move her. Because of her low muscle tone, she cannot reposition herself during the night. This will help her sleep more comfortably and prevent sores.

They will likely need to replace their existing shower/tub with a wheelchair accessible variety, and remove some counters to make space for a wheelchair. Some hospital grade lifts have already been added to the ceiling.

RDSP contributions: The Registered Disability Savings Plan makes it much easier for families to take care of the financial needs of their children in the future.

Contributions are matched by the government, and the funds in the RDSP will allow Jaycee to receive excellent care as she ages.

You can learn more about the RDSP program here.

How you can help

As you can see, there is a mounting list of expenses that the Abrams family will be faced with in the near future. On behalf of Jaycee, and the Abrams family, we ask that you consider contributing to their financial obligations.

Their church, Southland, has set up a Benevolence fund for Jaycee. Any donations made to the 'Abrams Benevolent Project', through Southland will be eligible for a charitable donation tax receipt.

You can donate directly through Southland Church, clearly indicating the 'Abrams Benevolent Project', and all contributions will go directly to help the Abrams family provide the best care possible to Jaycee.

  1. e-Transfer to [email protected] with the note 'Abrams Benevolent Project', along with your name, address, email address, and phone number to receive a Charitable Tax Receipt.
  2. Donate online. Click: Donate, select the Benevolence Fund and add 'Abrams Benevolent Project' and your address to receive a Charitable Tax Receipt in the notes section. An extra assurance would be to also email the church at [email protected] to let them know that you donated to the project using the online method
  3. By Cheque addressed to Southland Church with the memo 'Abrams Benevolent Project'
    • Southland Church
    • 190 PTH Hwy 52 W
    • Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y1

Accountability

We are committed to ensuring the money is used responsibly, in keeping with the reason you gave.

The Abrams can present receipts to the church for reimbursement, or submit invoices for direct payment. Requests are reviewed to ensure they are within the scope of the project prior to release.

The Family

  • John and Nicole - Parents
  • Connor - Big brother
  • Tehya - Big sister
  • Jaxon - Little brother

Jaycee Abrams - 2025