The first time we tried skiing with you, we didn’t know what to expect. Your mom said, “Let’s just take him and try!” I had never even seen a sit-ski before. So I took the course, learned how to get you in and out, how to handle the lifts, all of this while Mom was attentively caring for your utmost comfort and needs. We are determined not to leave you out. There are no limits to what we would do for you.
Though you can’t walk or talk, we’ve heard you loud and clear that your Dream is to have your own sit-ski. We see it in the way you light up when you feel the mountain breeze kissing your cheeks, the joy that fills you when we pick up speed, and the unforgettable laughter that bursts out when we’re carving down a run.
Being able to hear you laugh so loud while speeding down the hill, hitting little jumps, and carving sick turns is my favourite part of taking you down the hill. You and me, moving as one. If we’re close enough to a lift, the other skiers can hear you too and sometimes cheer us on. Your expressions tell everyone around how much this sport means to you.
When I stop to check on you and see that grin from ear to ear, it brings me back to when I was a young boy too. It makes you feel so alive! It’s pure freedom and joy!
Ten years ago, we couldn’t have imagined this. Now, skiing is one of your favourite activities.
You’re quite popular on the mountain. People wave and cheer from the chairlifts and ask us questions. They mean well, saying “Great job! We’re proud of you! Congratulations!” but this is just something a parent does.
The mountain though, knows something deeper: This is what love looks like.
Each morning is its own climb before we ever meet the chairlift. Mom gets you dressed, fed, and bundled up and then I carry you in my arms across the deep snow in my ski boots to sit you in the sit-ski chair. The rental isn’t always available when we get there and it always requires adjustments. As you grow bigger, you need equipment with better support. That’s why your Shine Dream will mean so much.
Having your own sit-ski will change everything.
It would mean the mountain waits for you, not the other way around.
We’ve even talked about paying it forward so more kids can laugh and share your same joy by leaving your sit-ski with the adaptive team to use when we’re not there. Your Dream could become twenty. A snowball effect spreading out across the slopes.
This holiday season, I’m asking, from one loving heart to another, to help make Cooper’s sit-ski Dream come true.
It’s through the generosity of everyone coming together that makes a Dream possible. Since adaptive sports equipment is so expensive and at times unattainable, it’s going to take a crowd. Twenty-five people, a hundred people, maybe five companies all chipping in to make this Dream happen.
Every small gift adds up. It builds something big, something life changing.
It means Cooper would never have to worry about whether he’ll get his day on the slopes.
It means he can feel unstoppable.
Let’s fulfill Cooper’s sit-ski Dream by the New Year, so that when the snow falls the mountains will echo with his laughter again.
Because you, my son, deserve the mountain.
Donate Today at ShineHoliday.ca
This holiday season, the kindness of the slopes keeps growing. Experior Financial Group is matching all gifts to Shine Foundation up to $50,000. Your generosity will go twice as far by helping Cooper and other Dreamers like him, conquer their own mountain of possibilities into 2026.
