Clairmont-based oil & gas company donates TrackChair and trailer to a local kid

Jesse Jubb has been struggling with hypothalamic obesity most of his life, due to a brain tumor he was diagnosed with at five years old.

Jesse’s mother, Erin Atkinson Jubb explains that he has since had issues walking, having to rely on crutches to get around, as most wheelchairs could not support him.

“So the whole issue with the wheelchair was that he wouldn’t fit in a standard chair that was provided by Alberta Health Services or Red Cross or anything like that, not that the wheelchairs aren’t awesome. But, just they weren’t appropriate to accommodate his size, and the wheels would break and I couldn’t push him on even just the paths out here at Muskoseepi Park, or anything like that.”

Photo Courtesy EverythingGP

Erin says they are very active outdoors people, so it was very hard on Jesse to only move around a little using crutches, taking away from everyday experiences, such as going to the grocery store or just walking the dogs.

She adds that for In-Line Drilling to just hear his story and step in is incredible,

“For them to not really know our journey or our struggle per se, and still just step up and say this kid can’t get around, he can’t participate in camping trips, and they just said we want to see him get this chair as quick as possible. I mean, the generosity, I can’t even put into words what it means to us.”

In-Line Drilling supplied Jesse with not only a TrackChair, but a trailer to haul it as well, costing $38,000.

Photo of the trailer donated to carry the chair

Photo Courtesy EverythingGP

Erin and Jesse are now looking forward to the school year, and getting back out in the community, now that his possibilities are endless.

“Now he can go and be with the rest of them (his peers) and it’s giving him freedom, independence, opportunity. He can adventure again, and be a kid, It’s really giving him his quality of life back… and that has no price tag.”

Photo Courtesy EverytyhingGP

Erin also discussed her and Jesse getting involved with wheelchair advocacy efforts further down the road, adding “I’m not a quiet person” and discussed some of the struggles they faced trying to attend city events, including parking and event accessibility.

As for right now, Erin and Jesse will just enjoy his newly found freedom, and get back to enjoying being outside, in public, or just socializing with his friends and family.

“He feels cool in this chair. It’s unique to him and he is unique. He has the biggest heart and he totally deserves this.”

Photo of Jesse and Erin Atkinson Jubb

undefined

by Tanner Smith