Only a few lucky children experience something like this in their lifetime. The roar of a packed stadium in Vancouver, the bright lights of the pitch, and the energy of a game between Canada and Qatar. And walking out in the centre of it all is 14-year-old Jaisen, standing tall as an official matchball carrier. 

Photo courtesy of Kia CanadaPhoto courtesy of Kia CanadaBut the thousands of people in the stands have no idea what it took for Jaisen to get here. To his family, and his dedicated team of ErinoakKids staff, he is living proof of what determination, a positive attitude, and passion for sports can achieve. 

Jaisen has come a long way, and his road to this special soccer game didn’t start on a soccer field - it happened in a hospital room. At just four years old, Jaisen underwent brain surgery, and the aftermath was an incredibly challenging condition known as cerebellar mutism. Jaisen could no longer walk, talk, or swallow, requiring a feeding tube and a wheelchair. 

“We literally didn’t hear Jaisen talk for almost six months after that," his mother, Jacqui, recalls. “He was in a wheelchair, and he could barely move his tongue. We thought he would never speak.” 

After months of intensive rehabilitation, Jaisen was referred to ErinoakKids, which became a foundational part of his life. Over the next ten years, Jaisen worked tirelessly with a team of physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists to bring him back to his vibrant “Jaisen” self. 

Throughout his journey, Jaisen refused to be defined by his limitations. Even dealing with ataxia, a condition causing involuntary shaking and balance challenges, Jaisen’s mindset, as his mother knows all too well, was always “all in.” 

Whether he was pushing through a physiotherapy session, learning to master a “Superman balance” exercise on his knees in Fitness Club, or learning routines in karate “Hero Circle,” Jaisen never backed down. If he toppled over, he got back up and tried again until he got it right. Today, he isn’t just walking. He is running, singing in his school choir, and even competing in track and field provincials. 

Over the decade Jaisen has received services at ErinoakKids, and he has made a name for himself. Described by ErinoakKids staff from different programs and services as an absolute “rock star,” Jaisen has formed deep bonds with his therapists over the years. They don’t just know his clinical goals; they know his heart, his sense of humor, and his profound love for sports. 

Because of the time spent with our staff, when a once in a lifetime opportunity arose, two of Jaisen’s therapists knew exactly what to do. Two staff members that work closely with Jaisen came across a national competition launched by Kia called the “Inspiring Stories” program. Kia was looking for six inspiring young athletes to submit a short video for a chance to go to one of these international summer soccer games. 

Because ErinoakKids staff knew Jaisen’s incredible journey, his fierce work ethic, and his passion for soccer, they didn't hesitate. Jaisen's recreational therapist immediately sent the contest link to Jaisen’s parents, encouraging them to enter. 

With the help of his dad, Orville, Jaisen recorded a heartfelt, two minute video sharing his journey. And he didn't shy away from sharing the hard parts. Jaisen has always been profoundly aware of how hard he has worked to reclaim his movement, his voice, his life. 

For Jaisen’s family, January 20th had historically been a heavy day, as it marks the anniversary of his brain surgery. But on January 20, 2026, exactly ten years after that life-altering operation, the universe decided it was time to give new meaning to the anniversary. Orville received the call from Kia.

Out of countless submissions from across the country, Jaisen’s story had deeply moved the judges. He was officially selected to be a matchball carrier at the Canada vs. Qatar game in Vancouver. And for a sports-obsessed kid like Jaisen, this was a dream come true. The package included round trip flights to Vancouver for Jaisen and his parents, hotel accommodations and spending money, and head to toe soccer gear and merchandise to commemorate the game.  

Seeing Jaisen step onto that massive pitch in Vancouver brought his family and his ErinoakKids therapists to tears. For a child whose outcomes were unknown ten years ago, commanding the attention of an international soccer stadium was nothing short of a miracle. 

But Jaisen’s journey is far from over, and he continues to access support from ErinoakKids, whether he's working on his emotional health with his favourite counselor, or getting his protective helmet adjusted by his OT team, these supports help him hit milestones and make him feel like himself. 

Jaisen knows exactly how far he has come. He always has. And he isn't afraid to try anything. With a hard-working spirit, dedicated support and a deep love for sports, Jaisen is a reminder that no goal is ever out of reach.  

Photo courtesy of Kia Canada

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