From Fundraising to Freedom: A Mother’s Journey to Help Her Daughter
Michelle Aguilar’s Mission
For several months, Michelle Aguilar, a former flight attendant and dedicated mother, has dedicated her days to an extraordinary cause: raising funds for her daughter Brielle. Stricken with cerebral palsy, a condition that hinders movement and communication abilities, Brielle’s future looked uncertain—until her mother stepped in.
Through creative efforts such as selling gently used clothing, collecting bottles, and reaching out to businesses for donations, Michelle has tirelessly pursued her goal of improving her daughter’s quality of life.
The Life-Changing Device
Last June, Brielle trialed a robotic leg device designed to provide the support she needs for mobility. Initially hesitant, Brielle soon embraced the device during a seven-week trial at a local children’s hospital. Michelle recalls, “By the end of it, she loved it.” However, the financial burden of the device loomed large—$43,000 to be exact, a number that felt insurmountable.
Turning Dreams into Reality
Determined to ensure that Brielle could walk alongside her family, Michelle doubled down on her fundraising efforts. They pictured peaceful neighborhood strolls—a simple yet profound dream. And as of this past Saturday afternoon, that vision has finally come to fruition.
A Community Comes Together
The pivotal moment came during a community barbecue at Cochrane’s Toyota dealership, organized with local businessman Dan Kroffat. The event served not just as a fundraiser, but as a community gathering where locals rallied behind Michelle and Brielle’s journey.
Amidst burgers, hot dogs, and heartfelt speeches, the barbecue aimed to raise the remaining funds needed to cover the cost of the device, generating palpable excitement among attendees.
An Overwhelming Response
When Michelle received a $43,000 check at the barbecue, her emotions ran high. “I’m overwhelmed,” she said tearfully during a phone call, relishing the support from her community. The event clearly struck a chord, drawing not only family and friends but also Cochrane’s mayor and local MLA Pete Guthrie, who lent their hands to the grill.
Everyone who arrived was treated to a chance to win a $500 Safeway gift certificate and participated in a silent auction benefiting Brielle’s cause.
Hopes and Fears
Prior to the big day, Michelle and Kroffat had raised nearly $25,000, with only around $20,000 left to earn at the barbecue. Michelle admitted to feeling anxious when the fundraising barometer showed that they still had $8,000 to go as the event neared its conclusion.
Yet unbeknownst to Michelle, Kroffat had secured a secret agreement that would soon ease her worries.
A Hidden Generosity
Leading up to the event, Kroffat reached out to a generous benefactor who promised to cover any remaining funds needed to meet the goal. “He’s a low-profile individual but has had tremendous success in business,” Kroffat shared, adding that this kind of assurance spurred everyone’s confidence. “It was going to have a happy ending,” Kroffat reassured Michelle.
Immediate Next Steps
With the money raised, Michelle plans to purchase the robotic leg device as soon as next week. “I’m just so happy,” she expressed, her joy evident as she spoke about her family’s newfound hope. “I actually couldn’t sleep and I haven’t even had anything to eat all day.”
A Father’s Perspective
Brielle’s father, Conor Thomson, echoed the sentiment of being “overwhelmed.” Juggling a full-time job as a journeyman plumber often pulls him away from home, making it challenging to be present for both Brielle and Michelle.
“I wish I could be there more,” Conor lamented. Weekends typically see him attending Brielle’s therapy sessions, but Michelle’s relentless efforts in fundraising felt like a full-time job in itself.
A Moment of Pride
Reflecting on the device trial, Conor remembered how Brielle beamed with pride as she maneuvered through the hospital in her robotic legs. “Lots of people were complimenting her. You could see in her eyes that she was proud of herself,” he remarked.
The device symbolizes more than just mobility; it offers Brielle the chance to take part in daily activities alongside her family.
Adventurous Plans Ahead
Once they secure the device, their family plans to embark on new adventures. “We’ll take Brielle down to the river or along pathways in our neighborhood,” Conor stated with excitement.
Flexibility is key: “Some days she may not be into it, but others she might be all-in. We want to take things at her pace,” he added. The goal is not only physical mobility but also increasing Brielle’s emotional engagement with the world around her.
A Special Little Girl
Both parents view Brielle as a unique blessing. “She’s just a special little girl and she deserves to have that,” Conor emphasized, representing the love and determination they both share for their daughter’s future.
With the assistance of a close-knit community, Michelle and Conor believe they are on the brink of a brighter chapter for Brielle—a life with more mobility and freedom together as a family.
Conclusion: A Hopeful Future Awaits
Michelle Aguilar’s inspiring journey embodies the power of community, determination, and love. Raising $43,000 through her relentless fundraising efforts is not merely a financial achievement; it stands as a testament to the lengths a mother will go to ensure her child’s happiness. As they prepare to embrace life with a new device, the Aguilar-Thomson family is not just one step closer to mobility; they are on the brink of making unforgettable memories together, empowered by the love that surrounds them.
