Shriners Children's Erie Steps In: Changing the Course of Care for Wyatt

In 2015, brothers Wyatt and Ruger were both diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare genetic disorder that has damaged and weakened their muscles over the past 10 years.

As a result, they rely on power wheelchairs to navigate their daily lives. However, when Wyatt’s insurance denied him the same power wheelchair as his brother, Shriners Children’s Erie stepped in to provide the equipment necessary for him to stay independent and active. With his power wheelchair, Wyatt can move freely and maintain his sense of independence. Thanks to the commitment of Shriners Children’s to provide care regardless of a family’s ability to pay or insurance status, Wyatt received the equipment he needed to live his life to the fullest.

Wyatt received the equipment he needed not just to get around but to thrive. His new powerchair was equipped with features such as elevation, forward and backward movement, upper and lower foot adjustments, and the ability to stand, just as his brother’s chair allows. These functions allow Wyatt to control his movements with greater ease, reduce the risk of pressure sores, position himself alongside his peers and conserve energy throughout the day.

For a teenage boy, these features are important. Not only do they provide proper positioning, comfort and accessibility, but they also allow Wyatt to stay actively engaged with his peers, participate in hobbies and achieve independence in his daily life. The ability to reposition himself and elevate his seat makes everyday activities like eating at a table or reaching for objects much easier. “Without the support of Shriners Children’s Erie, Wyatt would have been provided with a wheelchair that did not meet his needs and of lesser quality compared to his brother,” said Wyatt’s physical therapist, Rachel Mauro, D.P.T. “The impact of receiving a customized power wheelchair to his quality of life is absolutely priceless.” 

Socially, the power chair’s custom features allow him to interact with his peers in a more equal and inclusive way. Wyatt expressed that his powerchair made it much easier to navigate and stay engaged with others. "I wish I would have had my chair when I went to public school," he said, noting that it would have significantly improved his ability to keep up, especially in gym class.

Emotionally, having a power wheelchair with high-tech features gives Wyatt a sense of control and freedom, boosting his confidence and allowing him to enjoy his favorite activity, attending NASCAR races with his family. The ability to move freely and adjust his positioning as needed helps him feel more self-reliant, rather than constantly depending on others for assistance. For a teenager navigating the challenges of a progressive neuromuscular disease, this sense of autonomy is invaluable.

The boys’ mother, Ember, is deeply grateful for the assistance provided by Shriners Children’s Erie. “Caring for two children with mobility challenges can be difficult, but the support from Shriners Children’s has made such a tremendous difference in my family’s life,” she said. Wyatt’s experience illustrates how custom mobility options can transform a child’s life. With support from Shriners Children’s Erie, he gained not only a wheelchair but also greater independence and freedom. The advanced features of his chair help him navigate daily life more easily, allowing him to overcome challenges with confidence. His journey highlights the importance of accessibility and the impact that compassionate support and individualized care can have on children and their families.