Powered by Collaboration, Driven by Determination

As featured in pigeon605.com

It starts with four wheels and a ticket to ride.

“Go Baby Go doesn’t just offer mobility — it offers freedom,” explained Liz Van Westen, mom to 23-month-old Eleanor. For a toddler living with two rare genetic disorders, watching three organizations come together to adapt a toy car just for her is nothing short of extraordinary.

“Just witnessing the sense of community involvement from these organizations was remarkable,” added Eleanor’s dad, Brandon. “To know that students at both Southeast Technical College and the University of South Dakota are helping our little girl just opens your eyes to how many people and organizations there are in the Sioux Falls community who are willing and ready to help children.”

Community in Motion

LifeScape’s Go Baby Go chapter modifies toy ride-on cars for children with mobility challenges, giving them the chance to play, explore and socialize like their peers. It’s a joyful goal that takes a village to achieve.

That’s where the students at Southeast Tech and the USD come in. Together with LifeScape therapists and mobility experts, these students help bring the cars — and the kids — to life.

“It’s all about collaborating for the greater good and using our unique knowledge and skills to empower people to live their best life,” explained Monica Christensen, a LifeScape physical therapist.

Southeast Tech  first partnered with LifeScape for Go Baby Go in 2018, giving mechatronics students the opportunity to apply their technical skills to real-world challenges.

“Our part involves assembling the cars, rewiring the gas pedals and adapting the systems with customized switches,” instructor Bryan Cox explained.

“By collaborating on this project, our students get to utilize skills learned in class while helping someone gain a little more independence and mobility.”

Engineering with Heart

The process is detailed and personal. After the mechatronics team preps the vehicle, LifeScape’s therapists work alongside USD’s physical therapy students to meet each child’s individual needs — children like Eleanor.

“She was born with 18p deletion syndrome and 12q duplication syndrome, each affecting 1 in every 50,000 live births,” explained her mom, Liz. “Because of the rarity, each child presents differently, so for Eleanor, the journey has been uniquely her own.”

Ensuring her adapted vehicle was a perfect fit took teamwork, creativity and a healthy dose of toddler patience. “They worked extremely well, especially with a toddler who didn’t want to sit still,” Brandon said with a laugh.

For the USD students, working with Eleanor and two other children — each with their own unique needs — was more than a clinical experience; it was a revelation.

“Go Baby Go really opened my eyes to the impact LifeScape makes,” said Grace Schuch, a third-year physical therapy student. “Getting to see the smiles on the kids’ faces because of this inclusive opportunity is priceless.”

Fellow student Kendra Jensen agrees. “It’s incredibly meaningful to be part of something that brings joy to both the children and their families.”

Lessons that Last

For some students, the event shaped future career paths. “I was 50/50 on going into pediatrics before today,” Madi Sundvold said. “Now after this event, I can see myself working with kids who have medical and developmental challenges.”

Others, like Taylor Eggers, saw their passion reaffirmed. “When you work with three kids who each have different levels of abilities, adapting a toy that’s part of childhood proves anyone can be included with just a few modifications.”

And for many, like Tess Zevenbergen, the event was a chance to apply growing knowledge in a setting filled with joy. “This was such a great hands-on learning experience that allowed me to apply what I’ve learned so far and through a creative outlet,” she said.

Tanya Liu, assistant professor in USD’s department of physical therapy, sees the deeper value: “These partnerships offer students real-world, hands-on learning experiences that go beyond the classroom. They apply clinical knowledge while developing creativity, teamwork and communication skills.”

Driven by Determination

Eleanor’s parents know that their daughter will face challenges. But they also know that with the right tools — and community — she’ll meet them on her own terms.

“Go Baby Go is giving Eleanor the chance to explore her world in her own way, powered by her own determination and a little motorized magic,” Brandon said.

“Eleanor will likely face challenges for the rest of her life. That’s something we know,” Liz said. “But it’s programs like Go Baby Go that help her meet those challenges with confidence. That supports her in becoming who she already is — not who anyone expects her to be. Independent. Bold. Curious. Fierce.”

To learn more about LifeScape’s Go Baby Go chapter, get behind the wheel and visit
lifescapesd.org/outpatient-therapy-behavioral-health/go-baby-go.