TODDLERS and children are taking part in a Leap Day
‘leapathon’ to raise money for a young Southside boy who is due to fly to
England for surgery in the coming months.
James Casserly (6), from Lucan, was diagnosed with
cerebral palsy at the age of two and a half. He can walk independently for
short periods but also uses a walking aid.
He is due to travel to England in May where he will
undergo a Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy Neurological procedure.
In the operation, which is not currently carried out
in Ireland, certain nerves will be severed with the long-term affect of
improving his mobility and quality of life.
Kids from the Toddler Inn Crèche and Pre School on the
Navan Road will take part in the fun and lively task to jump for one minute to
help James.
The leapathon is an innovative way in which the crèche
is teaching the toddlers and pre-schoolers about disabilities and differences.
They frequently take part in fundraisers to teach the
children the importance of empathy, support and friendships.
Crèche manager, Aisling Ni Dhoibhilin, who is friends
with James’s mother, Vicki Casserly, explained the importance of setting a good
example for children from an early age.
“We try to teach the children that everyone is
different,
? she stated.
“Some people may wear glasses or a hearing aid while
others use a wheelchair to get around.
“We’ve told them a little bit about James and that he
needs to have surgery so that they understand the different challenges other
people face.
?
She added:
“We teach them to question and understand
rather than stare. Just because some kids can’t walk, it doesn’t mean that they
can’t play basketball.
?
Vicki said she was grateful to the crèche for their
help.
“I think Aisling’s efforts to promote and emphasise
the importance of inclusion are fantastic,
? she told Southside People.
“James is James, an individual like anyone else. He’s
confident, happy and knows who he is and what he can do.
“We’re hoping that this surgery will give him a
greater quality of life and reduce the need for him to have to use a walking
aid.
?
For more information or to donate to James Casserly
visit www.forjames.com