The 37th annual Easter Seals Telethon in Windsor successfully raised over $190,000 for kids with physical disabilities on Sunday at St. Clair College.
Through the help of generous donors, the telethon was able to crush its goal of $115,000.
The event provides services and programs to help pay for expensive equipment, as well as help kids attend their popular summer camps.
Celebrity host Kara Ro hosted the event. She was joined by local ambassadors, local media personalities, corporate sponsors and Easter Seals Alumni.
The event not only donates money; it shares the success stories of Easter Seals kids and their families.
Sixteen-year-old 2019 ambassador Serina Carey credits the organization for helping her take her life back into her hands after receiving her diagnosis.
"About six years ago, I started having symptoms and [that] lead to a diagnosis, about a year ago, of Ehlers Danlos syndrome, a rare genetic connective tissue disorder. So, about five years ago, [Easter Seals] funded a stair lift," she said. "I wasn't able to go to my room. For months I was in a hospital bed in the living room. Because of Easter Seals, I was able to gain independence."
Carey says that living with Ehlers Danlos syndrome affects every part of her body.
"It was just one thing after another. It started with joint pain and lead to GI (gastrointestinal) issues and then heart conditions," she said. It affects everything. It affects my skin, my eyes, my teeth, joints, everything. I have up to 20 dislocations a day."
The road leading up to receiving a diagnosis was difficult, but Carey insists it was what she needed to start the healing process.
"It was such a relief, even though it's not an amazing diagnosis, it's the best relief because you're doubted,"said Carey.
Now that she is happily living her life, Carey offers a word of advice for any other children who are struggling with their physical disability.
"Don't lose hope and you're not alone. Also, allow yourself 10 minutes to put all that anger and sadness and frustration in that 10 minutes," she said. Once that timer's up, you just move on. "
Carey encourages people to donate, as even a little amount of money can go a long way.
"It is more helpful than you think. Your five dollars can go to something and make a difference," she said. "It doesn't seem like much, but, it gives us so many things and so many opportunities."
If you missed your chance to donate in the Windsor-Essex telethon, the fundraiser will also be held in Toronto and Peterborough on April 7th and in Sudbury on April 28th.
