Giving Ashton a helping hand

Courage can come in many forms and sometimes you find largest amount in the smallest places. Like four year old Ashton Binskin.

Just 6 weeks after Ashton was born he was diagnosed with a brain tumour that required immediate surgery. During his operation Ashton suffered a severe infantile stroke that has left him vision impaired, unable to walk – as he now has right sided hemiplegia – and with multiple conditions that require a lifetime of medication.

Despite all of these setbacks early in life, Ashton chooses to spend his days smiling into the sun. While acknowledging the ups and downs, Renee says Ashton’s unique condition is just as unique as his spirited personality.

“He is a happy boy and he just brings us so much joy. At the moment he has been developing really well and he has become so able,” Ashton’s mum Renee said.

Ashton has been taking part in KidzWish’s Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy services for a little over a year.

“They just make things easier for us,” Renee said.

Renee said that Ashton’s Speech Pathologist Roisin, Occupational Therapist Domanique and Physiotherapist Suzy always go ‘above and beyond’ in their programs with Ashton.

“They don’t just teach speech, and saying words, they really tailor the program to suit Ashton.”

“Ashton doesn’t always enjoy the physical aspects of therapies, so his Speech and Physiotherapists combine their programs to make it fun and he doesn’t realise he is doing it. Roisin helps us create ways of communicating with each other and come up with news tasks that help us talk to one another. There are support groups and workshops and even if you can’t go along they send
you information.”

It has been leaps and bounds for the Binskin family over the past 12 months and every day they are grateful.

Grateful to those that help, whether it be their close network of friends, family and charities like KidzWish.