Gregory's Story

Five and a half years ago, our family embarked on a journey filled with overwhelming challenges that seemed insurmountable.

You see, our only child, Gregory, suffered a brain injury related to complications as a result of entering the world six weeks early. It was clear our lives were about to change dramatically. Ours would not be a typical homecoming as it is for most parents who experience the joys of welcoming a new life into their family. 

What we did have in common with other parents, however, is that we wanted what was absolute best for our child.

We faced an uphill battle filled with a lifetime of long-term care for Gregory. We could not leave him alone, not even for a brief moment due to the severity of his disability.  Trying to accomplish the simplest of tasks like taking a washroom break or having a shower was next to impossible. He required 24/7/365 days
a year care…care that we as two people who lacked highly-skilled training found extremely difficult to provide.

Even going out as a couple for a cup of coffee and a chat was not an option as we couldn’t simply call up the babysitter from down the street to look after our son while we experienced some downtime together. 

When our precious boy was around 2.5 years, we accepted the reality that it was time to reach out for help.

Faced with uncertainty as to what kind of life we would be able to provide Gregory in a small Northwestern Ontario community where we felt isolated and without the proper medical and social services, we did our research and found St.Amant.

It has now been a year and a half since Gregory joined the St.Amant family, giving us the ability to be his parents again. We have embraced St. Amant in so many ways and have become a part of the wonderful community that is St.Amant. The relationships that we’ve formed with the other families with loved ones here is incredible. And then there’s the support of the staff and management at St.Amant…who in our eyes are among the best in the world and work in a one-of-a-kind facility! Our son now has access to all of the resources he needs to live a full and happy life, from physio and occupational therapists, dentists, doctors, nurses, teachers in his year-round school and then there are the fun-filled outings...the list of positives is virtually endless.
 
We have noticed such an amazing transformation in Gregory. He’s now able to fall asleep on his own like a big boy without being rocked. And no more bottle!  His appetite is amazing. The quality of life for our son and for our family as a whole has improved 110%. One only needs to see the smile on his sweet face, the sparkle in his eyes and hear him laugh to know how much St. Amant means to him. 

St.Amant has truly given us our family back. We couldn’t imagine what life for Gregory, for us, and for other families just like us would be like without St.Amant.

Please show your support for St.Amant by making your donation today.

Sincerely,

The Plitnikas Family  
Jerry, Shelley and Gregory