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5 | The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,June 20,2019 theifp.ca For most parents, there's a certain level of worry that comes with leaving your child in the care of others. But for par- ents of special needs chil- dren, these concerns can reach a whole new level. Add in some complex med- ical needs and it might ac- tually be impossible to find a regular caregiver. "Most people don't un- derstand that we can't just get a babysitter," said Erin Gibson, whose six-year-old daughter, Piper, suffers from a rare form of epilep- sy known as infantile spasms. "She has a G-tube (feeding tube), she's on new seizure meds, and you would have to know about suctioning." The neurological condi- tion has left young Piper unable to sit, hold her head up, stand or eat on her own. She's currently home- schooled due to being immunocompromised, doesn't sleep through the night and requires her last round of feeding and medi- cation at midnight every day. The exhaustive sched- ule makes the respite of- fered by the Darling Home for Kids that much sweeter for the Acton family. Every three months, Piper is offered the oppor- tunity to stay for the week- end at the rural Milton fa- cility, which provides pedi- atric hospice care, respite and residential services in a homelike environment for medically fragile chil- dren. The home's specialized nursing and support staff not only meet the complex needs of the youngsters in their care, but also provide unique activities and pro- grams geared specifically to them. "The facility itself is phenomenal," said Gibson. "They do art therapy with Piper, and pet therapy with St. John Ambulance. The hydrotherapy is great too as she's so tense all the time. She's able to relax and ease up her muscles. When she's there, she's her- self." While Piper is nonver- bal, big sister Kaeleigh said she can tell Piper truly en- joys the facility's programs and staff. The nine-year- old is also thrilled about the opportunities the Dar- ling Home affords the en- tire family. "It's really nice to have that time with my mom and dad to go on a hike or some- thing that would be hard with the wheelchair," she said. For Gibson, it's about the little things that others may take for granted, like going to bed at a normal hour and getting a good night's sleep. "The Darling Home gives us time to refresh and lets us connect," she said. "It provides us with oppor- tunities for that one-on-one time with Kaeleigh." It's families like the Gib- sons who will benefit from the Darling Home's upcom- ing Wheels fundraiser ride on June 23. The signature event in- vites cycling enthusiasts to ride for the enjoyment, competition and physical challenge while support- ing a good cause. The fes- tivities start and finish at the Mattamy National Cy- cling Centre in Milton, which also serves as the lo- cation for the post-ride lunch and celebration. Since its inception in 2011, Wheels has raised over $750,000 in support of capital projects and the core programs offered at the Darling Home for Kids. For more information visit www.darlinghomefor- kids.ca. COMMUNITY DARLING HOME FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT LOCAL FAMILIES MELANIE HENNESSEY mhennessey@ metroland.com Six-year-old Piper Gibson, who suffers from a rare form of epilepsy, is among the local children who will benefit from the Darling Home for Kids Wheels fundraiser. She's pictured with father Matt, mother Erin and big sister Kaeleigh. Melanie Hennessey/Torstar SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER AT THEIFP.CA Reg $14.99 33-3802X Fresh Shipment of 10" Hanging Baskets Sale Price 33-5602 Emerald Cedars All Fruit Trees including Pear, Cherry, Apple, Plum 50% oFF MAkE THE MoST oF youR BACkyARdAdvertised items are available only at Georgetown Canadian Tire, 315 Guelph StreetItems may not be exactly as shown. We reserve the right to limit quantities. No rainchecks. PRE-SUMMER CLEARANCE ON NOW 33-7160X @CTGeorgetown 33-0338X Fresh Planters $1299 Starting from 33-5315X All In Stock Roses 33-3574 4" Flowering Annuals & Vines $199 On Sale Now Store Hours Mon. - Fri. 8-9, Sat. 8-6, Sun. 9-5 Service HoursMon. - Fri. 7:30-9, Sat. 7:30-6, Sun. 9-5 33-7056 2Gal $999 1/2 price! 7Gal $1999 Reg $34.99 Fresh shipment of HuGE Majesty Palms $1599 Reg $19.99 33-2502 $149$149 Container Grown All Sizes On Sale Now While supplies last. Reg $2.69 33-3001X Reg $2.79 33-3900X All In Stock Nursery up to 50% oFF Shop early for best selection. Assorted Herb, Tomato & Vegetable Plants 30% oFF (9cm) (4") $1199 In stock Perennials Starting from