Meeting life head on . . .
In a world where we all try to fit in, it’s easier for some and not so much for others. But Bennett Malaka of Ryley has a unique attitude, approaches every task with a can-do attitude, and with a smile.
Born with “missing bones,” it was difficult for his parents to fathom at first.
“When my husband and I first learned our child was missing bones, as the doctor put it, we were shocked and upset,” said Melissa, Malaka’s mother. “We worried that our son would be teased and treated differently – that his life would be difficult because of his disability.”
However, early connections with therapists at the Glenrose Hospital in Edmonton, and with CHAMP/War Amps families helped to ease their fears.
“We were not alone and there was support out there for us,” Melissa thought. “We also came to realize that every child has to deal with teasing and our son was just going to have to meet it head on. If we were there to support him and guide him, he would be okay; here’s a child who is obviously different, but ‘different’ doesn’t have to mean ‘not able.’”
According to Melissa, Bennett showed himself to be determined and right dominant as he explored his world with that little arm.
“When fitted with his first prosthetic, he used his right arm in that prosthetic as a means to continue that exploration .
