Community rallies to grant wish for teen

June 27 was a special day for Ashton Cody Kay. After a six-month wait the 14-year-old got his first glimpse of his family's van, completely overhauled courtesy of the Children's Wish Foundation.
Kay, who is from Kawacatoose First Nation, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, an inherited disorder that causes progressive loss of muscle function, beginning in the legs and pelvis and eventually affecting the rest of the body. The disorder, which affects about one out of every 3,500 worldwide, is already making it difficult for Kay to walk and he will eventually need to use a wheelchair.
The Saskatchewan chapter of the Children's Wish Foundation granted Kay's wish to have the family van overhauled. With the help of a number of Saskatoon businesses, the 22-year-old vehicle, purchased thanks to funds raised by the Kawacatoose band, was completely made over.
The idea for Kay's wish came from MTV's popular show called Pimp my Ride where vehicles receive a new paint job and interior complete with stereo, television and other extreme extras. In Ashton's case, his extras included a wheelchair lift.
"There were lots of donated items," said Carla Loney-Tindall, chapter director for the Children's Wish Foundation in Saskatchewan. The foundation is the only all-Canadian wish granting foundation and they've been working in the province since 1986. On average, they help to grant almost 40 wishes a year.
Many hearts and hands came together to make the teenage boy's wish come true, with everyone working long into the night and donating their time. Loney-Tindall heaped praise on the many businesses that pitched in to make the dream a reality.
"Kal-Tire donated rims. Golden Mobility donated the wheel-chair lift," she explained. Other companies that donated products and services included Perfection Paint and Body, Vision Electronics, Chase Autobody, Braithwaite's Upholstery, Speedy Auto Glass, Amigos Auto-wrecking, Tint Logic and Details Plus.
Clara Nashacapo, disabilities advocate for the Kawacatoose band, wants to see more of that happening. "To all Aboriginal people, if you have a child with a disability, see the Children's Wish Foundation," she said.
Loney-Tindall agrees. "First Nations families hesitate to come forward," she said. "They're not sure if they're eligible."
Nashacapo also called for more co-operation in addressing the needs of people with physical limitations.
"Let us break down barriers and work as a team," she said.
Many leaders were invited to speak at the event. Dennis Dustyhorn, chief of Kawacatoose First Nation, lent his support as he stood at the mike under the hot, summer sun.
"I can't wait to see the van," he said. "I want to see the look on Ashton's face."
Kay's grandfather, Sid Buffalo, was asked to say a prayer at the unveiling ceremony. Humbly he stepped forward and delivered a heartfelt prayer in Cree.
Finally the moment came and the van pulled up, painted bright blue with an eagle on the front and Ashton's Wish printed on the back door. Kay stepped forward eagerly to look it over. While family and friends crowded around and peered inside, Kay's younger siblings danced around and clambered in and out of the van.
Ashton Cody Kay lives with his grandmother, Joanne Toovoice, who is from Day Star First Nation. Toovoice tried to put into words what her grandson was feeling.
"This is a dream come true for him," she said.
By the time Kay spoke to the media in attendance at the event he was close to tears.
"I want to thank everyone," he said. "I can't believe it's finally done."
For more information about the Children's Wish Foundation, call the Saskatchewan chapter at 1-800-267-9474 or log on to the foundation's Web site at www.childrenswish.ca.