‘Seems like a dream’: Guelph, Ont., family buys robotic exoskeleton with donations

A 7-year-old boy is hitting his stride thanks to generous donations from the community. CTV’s Alexandra Holyk has more.

A 7-year-old boy from Guelph, Ont., is one step closer to getting back on his feet thanks to a robotic exoskeleton.

Mateo VanderMeer was born with a severe heart condition. In 2022, at just 4 years old, he was paralyzed following a medical complication during an emergency surgery.

“I didn’t know if I would ever see Mateo walk again,” said Anita Diaz-VanderMeer, Mateo’s mother. “But seeing him take steps around the home has been really touching and really moving.”

Earlier this year, Diaz-VanderMeer and her husband, Kyle VanderMeer, discovered Trexo Robotics — a Mississauga, Ont.-based company founded by two University of Waterloo graduates. They decided to purchase the exoskeleton to help Mateo strengthen his muscles, but the technology came with a hefty price tag.

At the end of March, the family launched a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of raising $45,000. One month later, CTV News shared Mateo’s story when the family was still $7,000 short of its target. Within 24 hours of the broadcast, the campaign hit its goal.

“We can’t believe that we reached our goal overnight and now it’s here. It really seems like a dream,” Diaz-VanderMeer said.

‘We really appreciate it’

The family ultimately raised more than $52,000, with the surplus funds designated for specialized physiotherapy appointments. Mateo’s parents said they are grateful to everyone who donated and helped spread the word.

“Every cent, every action that people take to help us, it’s really meaningful and we really appreciate it,” Kyle VanderMeer said. “And it makes a big difference for Mateo.”

Having the device at home is also helping Mateo build his confidence.

“This is just the beginning for him,” his father said. “He’s taken a couple hundred steps now, but eventually he’ll take a thousand steps and then 10,000 steps, and who knows what that will do for his brain and for his muscle connections.”

The family hopes Mateo will soon be on the move around the house and outdoors, with plans to eventually take him and the Trexo device to the zoo and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada in Toronto.

“I think that’s one of the most exciting things that we’re looking forward to doing, is having him be able to experience the world in a way that he hasn’t yet,” Diaz-VanderMeer said.

They also hope to inspire other families in similar situations to keep the faith.

“Even though Mateo is a paraplegic, he is paralyzed and unable to move his legs on his own, he’s able to take steps now and that is incredible,” Diaz-VanderMeer said. “And we will forever be thankful to every single person that made this a possibility for him and for our family.”