The five-year-old with cerebral palsy needs $32k for a “life changing” Trexo robotic walker — with just 10% left to raise, her family is calling on the community to help make it happen
A five-year-old with an unstoppable spirit is rallying support from Bermuda to Canada, and beyond.
Aryah Rose lives with severe cerebral palsy, and her family is now working to raise funds for a robotic walking device they hope will open the door to greater independence.
Aryah Rose was born in 2021 and experienced a bilateral stroke during delivery. Today, she lives with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and cortical Vision Impairment . She’s non-verbal, non-ambulatory, and primarily fed through a G-tube.
But her mom, Delijah Symonds, says none of that defines her.
“She’s very happy, very determined. She’s the sweetest thing. Her determination to thrive and to be included and to move her body is pretty incredible.”
That drive is what inspired her family to begin fundraising for a Trexo robotic walker following a successful trial with one. The device is designed to help children with mobility challenges stand upright and take supported steps.
“It makes her the happiest kid in the world,” said Ms Symonds. “You see her smile when she gets in the machine… and the way she cries getting out of it – like wow she really loves this.”
For many people, walking is something they rarely think about – getting out of bed, moving from place to place without a second thought.
For Aryah, every transition requires being lifted in and out of her wheelchair.
Inside the Trexo, however, she isn’t just moving – she’s included.
“It’s just a very wholesome feeling to see her upright and walking, being eye to eye with her peers,” adds Ms Symonds. “That helps with self-esteem, self-confidence, being included.”
Beyond mobility, the walker may also support muscle development, digestion, and even sleep.
But that opportunity comes at a steep price -$32,000 – and the device is not covered by insurance in Canada, where Aryah and her family now live.
In December, the family launched a fundraising campaign through Support Now. Since then, donations have poured in from around the world.
“I’m so, so, so thankful for the support that we have received thus far. It’s not an easy journey being a parent of a child with a disability… you know, her joy is my peace and so just being able to see so many components of her life be benefited by this robot – it’s just, it’s sometimes hard to find the words when it’s just so heart-warming. But we’re hopeful. I believe we can do it and we’re going to do all that we can to make this a reality for her.”
With just about ten percent of their goal left to raise, the family says every contribution makes a difference.
To donate, click here.
Support Aryah Rose Walking | SupportNow.org
For those who prefer not to donate through the platform, Ms Symonds can be contacted at delijah.symonds@hotmail.com to connect directly with their Trexo representative.
Ms Symonds said that whether at home in Bermuda or now in Canada, advocacy around cerebral palsy does not stop. Awareness, she said, is key.
For anyone walking a similar journey, she is always willing to offer support and encouragement, knowing first-hand how isolating it can feel.
“It’s my hope to one day return home and help fill the gaps that are so necessary.”
She said she is aware of several families on the island who would benefit from relocating and is grateful she was born in Canada, allowing Aryah access to additional services.
“Had I not had my Canadian ties, I would still be home, still fighting the fight that I know many of my friends are facing. But I’m staying hopeful and positive that I can be part of the change I’d like to see at home, because it’s so important.”
