Despite trying to live a normal teenage life filled with movies, video games and time at camp, 14 year-old Langley resident Stephen Berdusco has faced challenges that most kids his age can’t even imagine. That’s because Stephen suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a degenerative disease primarily affecting the body’s voluntary muscles.

Unable to walk, Stephen’s motorized wheelchair was the only way for him to get around. But thanks to a $5,800 grant from the Envision Charitable Foundation, Stephen now has a “back-up” manual chair.

According to mom Kathy, having the extra chair makes a world of difference not only to Stephen, but to the entire Berdusco family. “Although Stephen has some pretty significant care needs, we still want to keep him at home and give him the best life we can. The power chair gives Stephen the freedom and independence he needs, but if it were to break down, then Stephen is basically housebound.”

For Kathy, the best part about the new chair is that it’s compatible with Stephen’s existing power chair. “We can take the seat from Stephen’s old chair and use it on the manual chair. That’s really important because the seat was specially designed for Stephen’s comfort. There’s also a tilt feature, so we can change Stephen’s position every so often to take the pressure off his spine.”

The chair was donated through Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s Equipped for Life program, which provides individuals with neuromuscular disorders access to the equipment they need, whether it’s through a loan pool or by purchasing the items. In 2008, 121 people benefited from the equipment program.

“The cost of this kind of equipment is huge, and most families simply can’t afford it,” explains Seline Kutan, executive director of the Envision Charitable Foundation. “That’s why the Foundation was excited to be able to provide Stephen with the equipment he needs. For him, this is more than just a chair—it’s about improving his quality of life.”

Mom Kathy remains grateful to the Foundation and Muscular Dystrophy Canada. “I can’t even put into words how much this donation means to my family. Honestly, we would probably be bankrupt if we had to pay for everything Stephen needed. It’s so important for organizations to make these kinds of donations, because they help kids like Stephen live a fuller and happier life.”

Muscular Dystrophy Canada is a national non-profit association with a mission to “support the independence and full participation of Canadians with neuromuscular disease.” The organization provides support services to assist individuals and families affected by neuromuscular disorders including funding specialized equipment from the Equipped for Life program. For more information about Muscular Dystrophy Canada, visit www.muscle.ca.