Thank you! Just two words that we all use day in and day out. And even when we say the words, the real challenge lies in truly grasping the depth of meaning those words carry. But in this story, it’s not just about saying "thank you" — it’s about shouting it from the rooftops for all to hear. This is a story of deep, heartfelt gratitude, yet at the core of it all, it still comes down to two simple words: thank you!
Cori moved to Vancouver Island for a job but has been living in Edmonton, working at the Glenrose Hospital for over 16 years. As a single mom, she’s raising her four sons, with three still at home: Tristin, Brycin (13), Jaxcin (10), and Koltin (9). Koltin, her youngest, faces significant challenges.
Koltin's birth was smooth, but soon after, it became clear something was wrong. He had a lymphatic cyst in his neck that required multiple medical procedures. Despite this, Koltin showed developmental delays, such as not sitting up by age one. Before his second birthday, he was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition, resulting in low muscle tone, lax joints, difficulty swallowing, and developmental delays — his development remains at the level of a 9-month-old.
Koltin's condition is complex: frequent chest infections, gas pain, and he sleeps only four hours a day. He also has autism, which makes sensory stimulation difficult, and he is prone to seizures if overstimulated. Koltin requires full-time care, including feeding and diapering, and he cannot use his hands.
Throughout this journey, Cori has been supported by her family, especially her older sons, who have developed deep empathy and a close bond with Koltin. They don’t see their brother's needs as anything unusual, and Koltin lights up with joy when he sees them.
Life changed drastically for Cori and her family after Koltin's diagnosis, but they have faced it all with remarkable resilience. As a family, they have had to deal with daily challenges like lifting Koltin, who weighs over 90 pounds, in and out of the van, and juggling his medical needs. Despite everything, Koltin thrives in a specialized school classroom, where he enjoys the social aspects of learning and Cori continues to work full-time while managing Koltin’s care.
When Cori's colleague suggested applying for help from SCI-AB, she was skeptical but she did. To her surprise, she was selected to receive a donated van, a life-altering gift for her family. This van has been more than just a vehicle; it has completely transformed Cori and her family's world, it has been a doorway to a fuller life and richer life.
And, the van hasn't just improved Koltin's quality of life, it’s brought the entire family closer, giving them the ability to experience moments together that they might have missed otherwise. What's very apparent is just how much Koltin loves van rides, and the fact that it is so easy to transport his specialized wheelchair has normalized his condition in ways that a stroller never could.
Cori’s gratitude overflows every time she gets behind the wheel. She knows that this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was made possible by the generosity of one person — one individual who wanted to make a difference, who wanted their van to go to someone truly in need. And let’s not forget Rob, a client services coordinator with SCI-AB, the middleman who made the connection and set everything in motion. Everything aligned perfectly, and today, Cori is living proof that a single act of kindness can indeed, change an entire life.
So, this is not just a story of gratitude, it’s also a testament to the kindness of the community. Cori is filled with gratitude each time she’s able to transport Koltin to an appointment or watch a family sports match, thanks to this incredible gift. Her life has been transformed because someone cared enough to give with a pure heart, and because of that, Cori is eternally thankful.
At SCI-AB, we are privileged to witness beautiful acts of kindness every day. It’s through these life-changing acts of generosity that we see just how interconnected we all are. When you give, your kindness doesn’t just help one person — it creates ripples of gratitude and change. And for that, we say, thank you. Thank you for making the world a better place.
The photos above, are of Cori's children who are the lights of her life.
