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
  • Pituitary Microadenomas
  • 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 first 2.5 years post diagnosis they have had regular visits with specialists, occupational and physiotherapists, and equipment techs. Over 50 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
  • Core strength and self-bracing
  • More vocalizations — a critical step toward communication
  • Safer eating
  • Improved vision
  • Increased cognitive awareness and social engagement

Every week and every repetition counts — her brain is most receptive before the age of 6, and the window for major developmental gains is getting smaller.

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.

They are incredibly grateful to have been able to purchase a 2019 Toyota Sienna with a Savaria side ramp conversion with just 22,000 kms for only $51,000. This was made possible through borrowed funds - but they are still working to raise money to pay it off. Having this vehicle allows Jaycee to travel safely in her car seat while accommodating her heavy wheelchair.

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 year of therapy, significant improvements were noticed. This already has increased 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

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 requires a hospital bed to better position her and to raise her head when she has a cold or flu. Government Home Care used to provide these but due to an incident, liabilities and funding they are not currently offering pediatric hospital beds. The only entrapment safe option they can find is nearly $19,000. (https://sleepsafebed.com/). The family is working at finding a gently used SleepSafe Bed or retrofitting a standard hospital bed.

They are hoping to make their existing bath and shower work using an already installed lift and bath chair. A small reno to add an adjustable shower head and shower wand should be sufficient to make bathing functional

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.