August 28, 2023
Zarya Kocik uses her left hand to put scrunchies on a bottle, a therapy exercise to help strengthen her left side.
Story & photo by Megan Miskiman
EDMONTON — When nine-year-old Zarya Kocik first came to the big city, she had three goals: tie her shoes, put her hair up in a ponytail, and strengthen her left side.
She made the journey from her northern home in Yellowknife to the Bimanual Brain Camp at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, joining a group of children for a week-long, therapy-driven experience designed for children with one-sided weakness.
The camp sees pediatric outpatients interact in socially-engaging activities among their peers who face similar physical challenges. Their team of multidisciplinary therapists create fun therapies in the community that let them forget they’re getting hospital care.
"Up in the north, we don't have many facilities," says Kirsten Kocik, Zarya's mother. "It's very important that we come to the Glenrose to receive the specialized care that they have down here."
Two weeks after her first birthday, Zarya was airlifted to the Stollery Children's Hospital, where she spent nine days in a coma.
"I was told my daughter would never have any use of her left side — and that I should prepare myself for a life with a child who has severe disabilities. We’re so proud of how far she's come."
This year's itinerary featured an interactive afternoon at West Edmonton Mall, Fort Edmonton Park, and the Telus World of Science. Here the children enjoyed therapy through public activities that focused on their weaker side in a supportive summer camp environment.
"Our camps are portrayed as really fun, but they’re therapeutic, evidence-based and goal-driven," says Shannell Corrodas-Brown, a recreation therapist in the Glenrose Pediatric Specialized Rehabilitation Outpatient Program.
“We always want to ensure that what we’re planning for — and implementing — relates to our patients and each of their unique goals and needs."
Zarya's mother is delighted with her daughter's progress at her first Glenrose camp.
"Every day she's doing new things. Two months ago, she wouldn't have been able to do her hair — and now, she can."
