OKOTOKS, Alta — When six-year-old Claire Sonnenberg woke up Monday morning for breakfast and cartoons, she had no idea that today would be the day she would see what had been hiding in the backyard for more than a month and in the works for nearly two years.
Claire had a lack of oxygen at birth resulting in spastic cerebral palsy — brain damage that prevents the normal development of motor functions like walking, talking and playing.
But, her favourite thing to do is swim, according to mom Stephanie.
"I think it’s because she’s free," said Stephanie.
So when the Sonnenbergs applied to Make-A-Wish more than two years ago, they decided to ask for a swim spa, something they knew Claire would enjoy forever.
The pool was delivered back in June, but on Monday, a representative from the non-profit along with members of the Foothills Fire Department, Okotoks RCMP, friends and family paid a visit to the Sonnenbergs' DeWinton home for the official unveiling.
Claire also received a towel, a Moana-themed floatie and balloons.
Stephanie said apart from swimming, the Disney film is her daughter's favourite thing. With the weather set to warm up later in the week, Claire will get to have her first swim in the new pool surrounded by Moana-themed decorations.
Her younger brothers, Brody and Parker, were also excited to learn of the addition to their backyard.
Since the pool was delivered, Claire's dad Nathan has been busy adapting the back patio to ensure she can use it with ease. He has built a smooth-surface deck from the back of the house to the pool for easy access for Claire's wheelchair and a gazebo which will allow the pool to be used year-round.
The arrival of Wish Day has been a long-time coming for the Sonnenbergs.
Shortly after the approval of Claire's wish the pandemic hit, putting a major delay on the arrival of the special day. About a month ago, Stephanie received an email that the swim spa was on its way.
"It’s a dream come true," she said. "We’re very fortunate to have been chosen for a wish and something that can benefit our whole family, lots of fun together."
Claire received one of the last swim spas granted through Make-A-Wish, as the non-profit no longer grants them due to the long wait time and rising costs from inflation.
Wishes are granted through referrals for children between the ages of three and 17 who have a critical illness in the life-threatening stage.
Claire, who will be attending Dr. Morris Gibson School in the fall, has made major progress in recent years thanks to different clinical trials and stem cell treatments.
Her first stem cell procedure was back in 2019; welcome news after being on the wait list since she was a year old. But shortly after that first treatment, COVID-19 came into the picture. This made travelling to Arizona for a booster three months later and additional treatments every six months impossible, which Stephanie said was disappointing.
Claire had shown improvements in vision, began un-clenching her hands and was able to start on eye gaze technology following the initial treatments. She is currently in a trial where she can use her brain waves to make machines, like a blender, work and is set to get a pair of robotic legs on July 26, according to Stephanie.
"So, Claire will be taking her first steps this weekend," she added.
The family is excited to travel to Arizona in November for Claire's third round of stem cell treatment, which they hope can continue on a consistent basis.
"We’ll keep up with stem cells until we don’t see anything happening," Stephanie said.
Although she has limitations with her limbs and uses a feeding tube, Claire's mom said that doesn't stop her from partaking in the family's favourite outdoor activities.
"We modify everything," said Stephanie. "She can ride on a quad, she can ride on a dirt bike. We made her her own sled that the boys can pull behind their snowmobiles.
"She loves it. She screams and goes around the whole acreage."
Everything in the world can be adapted, Stephanie added, and the Sonnenbergs are grateful to the non-profit for helping with the addition to the backyard of fun for Claire and her brothers.
"I want people to know that anything’s possible," she said.
"There’s no limitations, no matter how small or how big, you’ll always make it work."
