May 19, 2026
Six-year-old Fawn has so much to say — jokes she wants to tell, choices she wants to make, needs she wants to express — but right now, she doesn’t have the tools to share her voice with the world.
Fawn lives with Glutaric Acidemia Type 1 (GA1), a rare metabolic disorder that has caused developmental delays and significant medical challenges. She is non-speaking and has limited control over her body, making it impossible for her to communicate using her hands or traditional devices. Instead, Fawn relies on facial expressions and eye movement to tell those around her what she’s feeling and what she needs.
At St.Amant, our Speech-Language Pathology and Occupational Therapy teams have been working closely with Fawn since December 2024 to help bridge the gap between what she understands and what she can express.
And here’s the remarkable thing: Fawn understands far more than she can currently communicate. She responds accurately to yes-and-no questions, follows directions, smiles at jokes, and thrives in one-to-one interactions with adults and peers.
During recent trials with specialized eye-gaze technology, something extraordinary happened.
Using only her eyes, Fawn learned to control a computer cursor, play learning games, and select symbols that turn into spoken words. She quickly learned core words like “want,” “more,” “like,” and “not,” and even combined them to create her own messages — like “I want book.” For the first time, Fawn could independently express her needs, preferences, and ideas using a clear, computerized voice.
This technology isn’t just helpful — it’s life-changing.
An eye-gaze communication device of her own would allow Fawn to:
- Communicate her needs, thoughts, and feelings with her family and community
- Reduce frustration and increase independence
- Share vital information about pain or discomfort
- Build relationships and make new friends
The cost of this dedicated eye-gaze system is nearly $22,000 — a significant barrier for one family, but something we can achieve together. Today, we’re asking for your help.
Your gift will help purchase an eye-gaze communication device for Fawn, giving her a reliable way to communicate every day — and it will also support other urgent priorities for children and families who rely on St.Amant’s programs and services.
With your support, we can ensure she doesn’t have to wait any longer to be heard.
When you give, you’re not just funding equipment.
You’re giving a child the dignity of being heard.
Please consider making a gift today and helping Fawn — and others like her — find their voice.
With heartfelt thanks,
Tania Douglas,
P.S. Fawn has already shown us what’s possible when she has the right support. With your generosity, her future can be filled with connection, confidence, and communication. Thank you for being part of her story. P.P.S To make your donation and have it matched by Bidding Wars for St.Amant serving the Interlake please visit stamant.ca/Fawn or call us directly at 204-258-7073.
