Nektarios is a proud and successful 27-year-old young man with a bright future ahead of him. But it wasn’t always that way. His family knew that he was not meeting his important developmental milestones as he struggled to sit independently as a baby. As he grew older, he was increasingly dependent on his family and friends to help him in the activities of daily living.

Now, as a proud young adult, the last thing Nektarios wants is to rely solely on others for his care and comfort. He wants — and needs — to learn how to be as independent as possible. His mother found the March of Dimes Canada’s Conductive Education® (CE) Program after hearing about it through word of mouth from friends and acquaintances. Nektarios began attending CE sessions in 2004, at the age of 15.

At the beginning, walking was difficult for Nektarios. But he set big goals for himself in CE class. He wanted to gain the strength he needed to go out with friends, enjoy the outdoors, play his favorite video games and enjoy being an active member of his community.

 

His own determination, the skills and dedication of the March of Dimes Canada staff, and your donations have all made such a difference for Nektarios in so many ways. He was able to live independently while at college, and tackle all of the challenges of daily living with minimal assistance. Walking with one cane — a task that was all but impossible for him just a few short years ago — is now something he can do with confidence and ease.

“If March of Dimes Canada didn’t provide Conductive Education® I don’t believe I would be where I am today,” Nektarios tells us.

Increased mobility has given Nektarios the freedom he always wanted!

The evolution of this young man has been extraordinary. He enjoys life and is passionate about spreading the word about March of Dimes Canada and the life-changing programs that are available here. Every aspect of his life has changed for the better.

Conductive Education® is one of the programs that is also partly funded through money raised from our Door-To-Door campaign. Though physical Door-To-Door is coming to an end, you can still help support CE from the comfort of your own home! Sign up as an online canvasser and share your personal page with contacts and help support Canadians with disabilities: http://www.marchofdimes.ca/doortodoor/