Guelph, Ont. family raising money for robotic exoskeleton to help 7-year-old walk

The family of a Guelph boy is raising money to literally help him get back on his feet. CTV’s Alexandra Holyk reports.

A seven-year-old boy from Guelph, Ont., who lost nearly all of his mobility is looking to get back on his feet with the help of a robotic exoskeleton.

Mateo VanderMeer’s family is raising money to purchase a device from Trexo Robotics, a Mississauga-based company started by a pair of University of Waterloo graduates. The exoskeleton helps children with mobility impairments build strength one step at a time.

“With the Trexo, we saw him take his first steps again,” said Anita Diaz-VanderMeer, Mateo’s mom. “Every time that he walks is one step forward for him hopefully being able to take some steps on his own.”

Mateo was born with a severe heart condition. Growing up, his parents said he required frequent check-ups, which at times, could be invasive. At just four-years-old, Mateo suffered a medical complication and lost movement in his arms and legs.

“It was a really tough moment for us as a family,” said Mateo’s dad, Kyle VanderMeer. “But we persevered, and since then, Mateo has continued to defy expectations.”

The VanderMeers said Mateo needs 24-hour care and specialized equipment. In order to get Mateo his own custom Trexo, the family launched an online fundraiser to raise $45,000. On Thursday afternoon, the total amount raised was just under $39,000. By the next morning, the fundraiser had surpassed its goal.

Mateo’s parents said they’re grateful for the support they’ve received so far and the community they’ve found over the last few years.

“It truly does take a village,” Kyle said. “It would be impossible if we were just on our own. I wouldn’t even want to think about what that would look like.”

They also said they hope that by sharing Mateo’s story, they’ll be able to educate others while making big strides in Mateo’s road to regaining mobility.

“You will know that it’s going towards a little boy that is joyful and beautiful and deserves the opportunity to walk again,” Anita said.