Special gift improves life of a young patient | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Fresno, CA The minute Stellan Goss sat in his new wheelchair, his therapist Peggy nickel saw a change.

Peggy Nickel, Physical Therapist said, "As soon as we put him in the wheelchair he woke up and started moving around being interested in the toys and started using his muscles in a way that I like to see; I saw more head control right away."

The new wheelchair is top of the line, custom built for Stellan's special needs.

Ray Kent with National Seating & Mobility said, "We basically size him, took all of this measurements then we coordinated with the therapist to find out what position they wanted him to be sitting in, how they wanted him positioned, whether he needed to be tilted or not, which this chair does."

The chair was a gift from CVS Pharmacy. The company donated $50,000 to children's hospital, through the Extreme Makeover Home Edition show, back in January.

The new wheelchair will provide Stellan with more support than what his stroller had done until now.

The two-year old suffers from a seizure disorder that makes it difficult for him to sit up on his own or control his movements.

Peggy Nickel, Physical Therapist said, "it will help him get a lot stronger because he is sitting in something that holds him upright and encourages his muscles to work better."

Stellans mom said, "He seems to be doing really well in it, and he really likes it and the support is really important for sure. It's great."

Another great feature, the chair is adjustable, "The back post can be moved all the way back so we can get another five inches of depth." Ray Kent said. Which means the wheelchair will grow with Stellan as he gets older, and as his needs change.