Early support didn’t just help Cohen play—it helped him believe
We first met Cohen when he and his sister, Sophia, brought us a donation—they had saved up their earnings from doing household chores to help other kids. Not long afterwards, he was featured in our 2018 video, What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?
Cohen, then six, dreamt of becoming an ambulance driver. Now, the 13-year-old’s dreams have evolved—Cohen’s set his sights on playing football in the NFL and even riding a motorcycle one day.
As he prepares to start high school, Cohen is excited about both academics and sports. “I like math and French and writing poems,” he shares. “I want to go on the track and field team and play basketball.”
Cohen was born with Down syndrome and, since birth, has had a team of health professionals dedicated to helping him reach his full potential. Early intervention began right away in the Queen Alexandra Centre for Children’s Health (QA)’s Infant Development Program, which at the time was partially funded by CHFVI.
Over the years, the Foundation has provided support to Cohen and his family through the equipment library at QA. He borrowed a balance bike, a two-wheeled scooter, and a handle that helps balance a regular bike, filling the gaps where government funding falls short.
His mother, Erin, sees the impact this support has firsthand—not just as a parent, but as a physiotherapist at QA.
“Programs like Bear Essentials have been critical,” Erin explains. “An adaptive trike, for instance, isn’t something the government will fund, but riding a bike is such a fundamental part of being a kid. It’s these gaps that donor support steps in to fill.”
Now, as Cohen becomes more independent, he’s eager to take on new challenges. “I want to ride my bike by myself to the park,” he says. “And I want to order food by myself in restaurants.”
His growing confidence is a testament to the support he’s received—not just from his family, but from teachers, educational assistants, and community specialists who have helped him thrive.
Erin’s dual perspective as a professional and a parent fuels her advocacy for the Foundation’s work.
“Knowing there’s a team ready to step in—not just for your child, but for the adults in their world—provides such peace of mind.”
As Cohen looks toward the future—on the football field, in the classroom, and out in the world on his bike—his mom continues working to ensure that other families receive the same life-changing support that helped her son grow.
If you would like to help kids like Cohen realize their dreams, give today at islandkidsfirst.com/donate.
