Utah Tech University students make a difference through Go Baby Go Program

Through a collaborative effort to benefit children in the community, Utah Tech University held its seventh annual Go Baby Go event on Saturday, Dec. 6.

The university's Physical Therapist Assistant students coordinate the program, offering mobility and independence to young children with disabilities. This year's event was the biggest one yet, with 11 children going home with customized toy cars.

"This program is really important for the families of these children because they don't always realize how much the community cares about them," Burke Jorgensen, assistant professor of physical therapy, said. "I think we need more of these of events because there are so many generous people in this community and they just don't know how to help. We all love these kids and the families can see it at this event."

Through this hands-on learning opportunity, students adapt toy cars to function as powered wheelchairs and then teach local children in need how to use them, making a difference in their lives for years to come.

In the first stage of this project, students complete evaluations with all of the children to complete measurements and really get to know each one of their needs on a deeper level.

Holley, a two-and-a-half-year-old girl who was given a car as part of Go Baby Go, was diagnosed with right-sided spasticity and hemiplegia throughout her entire body earlier this year. This causes her whole body to tighten up, but mainly her right side requires extra assistance.

"Holley was the first child we did an eval for," Heidi Flemenco, a student and member of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program, said. "When I was doing the evaluation, I really had a moment of 'oh, I'm going into the right profession.' It was so eye-opening for me, and I got to work hands-on with her so she could actually be a kid."

UT students then take the information gathered and design each piece of the car for the children. They use resources, like car seats and harnesses, and tailor every aspect of the car to the children's needs.

"I just think this is amazing what the program does for all these kids," Holley's mom, Chelsie McPherson, said. "The first evaluation with the students was my favorite part. Watching all the students play with her to try to figure out what her favorite things were. It wasn't just questions for me - she was involved in the entire process."

The students also reached out to community partners and secured sponsorships to make this happen. Stephen Wade Auto was the primary sponsor of this year's event and hosted the event at its Toyota facility. Other company sponsors donated items for each of the children in addition to their cars.

This community event brings families, community members, and students together in a fun and lighthearted way that uplifts spirits and brings smiles to all.

"This is year number seven, and it keeps getting bigger and bigger," Dr. Eliezer Bermudez, dean of the university's College of Health Sciences, said. "For me, I see it as a family event. I see the kids, their faces get brighter when they're in the car, but their brothers and sisters are there with them, with smiles on their faces as well. To me, that's the experience I just can't describe."

For more information, visit health.utahtech.edu/physical-therapist-assistant.