The accessible playground features two levels and a slide. (Make-A-Wish Saskatchewan/ Facebook)

By Rachel May

Wish upon a playground

Make-A-Wish brings dream playground to St. Brieux

Nov 15, 2021 | 3:00 PM

With the support of Make-A-Wish, a St.Brieux family now has their dream accessible playground.

On Oct. 23 a dream came true for the Kwiatkowski family with a little magic from the St. Brieux Kin Club and Make-A-Wish.

Upon hearing from a family member that their daughter could have a wish granted, Heather, Ryan, and their daughter Brynn contacted the organization.

Heather Kwiatkowski said having an accessible playground is of utmost importance with Brynn’s disability.

“Her first seizure was when she was just over one. In 2011 she was diagnosed with epilepsy,” she said.

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With the help of medication, Brynn’s epilepsy is under control. She has also gotten a new diagnosis.

“She still has seizures but they are not visible grand-mal seizures happening right now. She was also recently diagnosed with autism,” she said.

When the family contacted Make-A-Wish, the organization went out of its way to include Brynn in the planning process.

“Brynn was given three wishes she could choose between and she chose the playground,” she said.

The eligibility process of granting a wish includes the child’s family physician determining if the child is medically eligible for a wish based on guidelines established by the organization.

The process of granting the wish took longer than usual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The wish couldn’t be granted last year with everything being shut down but as soon as possible they contacted us,” she added.

The organization kept the family engaged by including them in the building process while still keeping the magic alive.

“They gave us choices. We told them what Brynn liked. She never did see the play structure so it was a full surprise to her,” she said.

With Brynn’s diagnosis, the playground needed to be built in a way that allows for her to remain safe no matter where she is on the structure.

“With her medications, she can be a little more shaky,” Kwiatkowski added. “It’s got slides and the top part is barred.”

The play structure allows this family to spend more time together and create more special memories.

The family is now encouraging others to take the time to appreciate the little things in life with the people they care about.

“You take it day by day. Make sure you enjoy everything and never take anything for granted,” she said.

The Kwiatkowski family wants to thank the Make-A-Wish foundation and St. Brieux Kin Club for a life-changing experience.

“It is so wonderful to see your child’s face light up. She was so excited, it was a dream come true.”

You can find more information on Make-A-Wish by visiting their Facebook page.

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Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM