A state-of-the-art Robotic Walker used for intensive physical therapy may soon be available to Tasmanian children thanks to the generosity of Woolworths customers as the retailer gears up for their annual Easter Appeal.
Launceston’s Clare Waiss knows the potential a device like this can unlock.
For 45 minutes a day, five days a week, for three weeks, she was able to watch as her son Felix, 7, experienced the joy of walking while using the Trexo wearable robotic walker.
There is a catch, however. These devices are expensive to purchase, and currently only one disability provider in Australia has access to the walker, and they are based in Queensland.
For Felix to be able to get the best opportunities in life, it means a lot of time away from home for his family.
“Access to intensive therapy has meant that Felix was crawling earlier than expected, and now he’s up walking in his walker,” Mrs Waiss said.
“Put simply these therapies and technologies are life changing for him.”
“It would be amazing if we could get a Tasmanian provider to purchase a Trexo, and I hope that through this appeal we might be able to make it happen, not just for Felix but for other children who might benefit from it.”
St.Giles Senior Manager of Allied Health, James Thomas, said purchasing this device would provide for a cross section of some of the 3000 children who come to St.Giles for therapy annually.
‘Best practice tells us that standing and moving can improve body function for children like Felix and those with Cerebral palsy,” Mr Thomas said.
“If we were able to purchase a Trexo device, it would have huge outcomes for these children and their families, and once again show that St.Giles is a true leader in the rollout of paediatric assistive technology.”
The Woolworths Easter Appeal will run from Wednesday 11th March through to Tuesday, 7th April. Customers can show support by purchasing a $2 token or by making a donation at any register.
St.Giles has been a charity partner of Woolworths since 2020 and during this time Woolworths team and customers have raised over $760,000 for the organisation.
