Help The Huot-Attia Family Get A New Adapted Van

CTV News Report on Ella Huot Attia 

We are raising funds to help support the Huot-Attia family in caring for their daughter, Ella. In particular, we are hoping to raise money to help them get a car that can be adapted for Ella’s wheelchair. Ella is 9 years old and three years ago she was diagnosed with Type 1 Episodic Ataxia (EA1), a very rare neurological condition that impairs movement. She is one of only 70 in the country with the condition. 

Ella’s medical challenges began when she was just six weeks old, starting with seizures. It took 6 years of trying to treat and diagnose her when they finally discovered she had Episodic Ataxia. The CTV News article linked above truly helps to explain the symptoms and challenges of Ella’s condition. 

Today, Ella spends most of her day in a wheelchair or in bed. She has multiple health appointments a week, and her mother, Anne-Marie, has to lift her in and out of the car. As she gets older and heavier, this is becoming increasingly strenuous on Anne-Marie. Because their car is from 2013, the government support program that would usually adapt the car to be wheelchair accessible will not because the car cannot be more than 5 years old. Therefore, we are hoping to raise money to help them upgrade their car to a newer model so that they can become eligible for the  SAAQ’s Programme d’adaptation de véhicule pour les personnes handicapées. 

Because of Ella’s full time care needs, her mother is unable to work. Any support will be so appreciated by the family. 

*Gillian Kennedy is the organizer of this fundraiser for the Huot-Attia family. She is a longtime friend of the family, having known Anne-Marie since the day she was born. Gillian will manage the GoFundMe campaign and keep the family updated on its successes! All raised funds will be going directly to the family.