An energized community gathered at Cochrane Toyota on May 9 to hear the launch of a five-week fundraising campaign aimed at helping three-year-old Brielle Thomson take her first steps.
After her daughter was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Brielle’s mother, Michelle Aguilar, began researching treatments that could aid her mobility. That search led her to the Trexo Robotics Exoskeleton, a device designed to help children with mobility challenges walk. The catch? The exoskeleton comes with a $43,000 price tag.
See related article: Cochrane mother hoping to raise $43,000 to help three-year-old daughter walk
Undeterred, Aguilar raised $7,000 on her own through bottle drives—efforts that caught the attention of local fundraising advocate Dan Kroffat, who stepped in to help amplify the campaign.
“I was deeply moved by Michelle’s dedication and integrity,” said Kroffat. “Yes, $43,000 is a steep goal, but I truly believe our community will rally behind this with purpose and compassion.”
The goal is to raise the remaining $36,000 over the next five weeks, culminating in a community barbecue celebration at Cochrane Toyota on Saturday, June 14.
See related article: Fundraising effort hoping to raise $43,000 for Cochrane family kicks off this Friday
Several local businesses and organizations have joined the cause, including:
- Cochrane Toyota
- Cochrane Now
- Original Joe’s
- Filipino Canadian Association of Cochrane Alberta
- Safeway
- Seniors on the Bow
“I’m so grateful for the amount of support we’ve been receiving,” said Aguilar. “My family and I are overwhelmed by how much of Cochrane is stepping up to help our Brielle.”
Any surplus funds from the campaign will be donated to support another family facing a similar challenge.
Donations can be made at: supportnow.org/brielle-s-journey
