I’m Liza, the mom to incredible twins with disabilities, Shay and Ciaran, and two other equally incredible boys, Rowan and Declan. I can’t forget to mention my supportive husband, Cris, and our two dogs Ollie and Llew who make our family whole.
The twins were born prematurely and spent their first 4 months in the NICU and Neonatal Nursery. Both boys live with cerebral palsy, with Shay using a wheelchair, and Ciaran able to walk independently. They also have very different secondary conditions. Managing their care, especially in the early years, meant that between 5 - 10 caregivers were rotating through our home every week.
Coincidentally, before I had my boys, I completed my master’s degree in child and youth studies, studying interventions for children with different needs. I learned how important it is for young people to find a sense of purpose, community, and a space to build themselves up. This has shaped how we raise our family.
Our days are full and tiring with work, school, therapy appointments, specialist visits, and a constant flow of people in our home to help us make this all happen. We’re doing everything we can to live our lives to the fullest despite any obstacles.
During the first few years of the twins’ lives, I was riddled with fears. Fears which didn’t subside until they were school age. Despite big-city access to a great health care team and resources, I spent so much energy and sleepless nights dwelling on the unknowns. Things finally got a lot easier once I understood what I was dealing with. Not so that I could start fixing it, but to start optimizing for it to ensure the boys could have the best possible life.
Since early childhood, all four of our boys, regardless of their abilities, have been enrolled in different experiences outside of the home that build their confidence, autonomy, and skills. All of my kids are unique and giving them the opportunity to shine in their own way is super important to us as parents. But I also know that not every family across Canada has equal access to the resources we do.
Shay’s Dream, a custom racing wheelchair fit to his body, came at a perfect time for him this winter just as he was finding his place within the track community and as he prepares for university this Fall. Since his Dream, it feels like everything is coming together for him now. All of his hard work is paying off. He’s hitting personal bests on the track and gaining even more confidence. He’s finding his way and pushing new limits because you’ve given him the chance to realize his Dream and Shine. We are so proud of him!
Ciaran’s Dream, a service dog named Llew has just been welcomed into our family as I write this letter. Llew will be a big help to Ciaran through this transition as Shay goes to university in the fall, separating the twins for the first time. But Llew isn’t just a distraction, he’s his dog, his BFF (best friend forever), and his purpose. He will help Ciaran take on responsibilities, become his companion through life’s adventures, and establish a connection to the community. There’s so many levels to what he and Llew will do. I know this will be a beautiful future.
These Dreams weren’t just nice-to-haves. They were moments of transformation that made their world bigger.
As a mom, I want every child with a disability to feel what Shay and Ciaran felt: seen, supported, and part of a community that believes in their potential.
You may not know our family personally, but if you’ve supported Shine, or even been part of a Dream in any way, I want you to know: you get it.
You see value in people's differences where others might not.
You don’t see disability as something to fix.
You’re not moved by pity; you’re moved by possibility.
Thank you for seeing my boys the way I do.
Thank you for being part of our community.
Thank you for giving them space to shine through your generous support.
With a full heart,
Liza.
It takes a village to help create MORE Dreams like Shay's and Ciaran's!
