Maya McKergow, a six-year-old neurodiverse child, enjoys spending her Saturday mornings at Caden’s Lighthouse, a safe space in Montreal where she can play and feel comfortable. Her parents, Jason and Rachel McKergow, are grateful for this space as it is difficult for them to bring Maya to other public places due to her special needs. The lighthouse was unfortunately flooded last July after a heavy rainstorm, requiring extensive repairs and renovations before it could reopen. Thanks to a Go Fund Me campaign and private donations, the lighthouse was able to reopen this week after 10 months and $225,000 invested in the rebuilding process.
Caden’s Lighthouse, a multi-sensory space designed for neurodiverse children, was created by owner Rachel Ricci in honor of her son Caden. Unable to find a suitable space where her son could learn and play safely, Ricci decided to build one herself. Since its opening in 2020, the lighthouse has become a hub for parents and children in the community, offering opportunities for playtime, playdates, therapy sessions, and more. For the McKergow family, Caden’s Lighthouse is a familiar and comforting place where Maya can be herself and enjoy social interactions with other children.
The flooding last July caused significant damage to Caden’s Lighthouse, with sewage water contaminating the space and requiring the removal and rebuilding of floors, walls, and specialized equipment. The restoration process was challenging and costly, but with the support of the community through donations and fundraising efforts, the lighthouse was able to reopen this week. Owner Rachel Ricci expressed her gratitude for the generosity of those who contributed to rebuilding the space, emphasizing the importance of having a safe and inclusive environment for neurodiverse children like Maya.
For the McKergow family, Caden’s Lighthouse is a lifeline that provides Maya with the opportunity to engage in play and social interactions in a safe and supportive environment. They appreciate the care and understanding that the staff at the lighthouse provide, allowing Maya to feel comfortable and have enjoyable experiences during her visits. The dedication and hard work put into rebuilding the lighthouse demonstrate the commitment to serving neurodiverse children and their families, ensuring they have access to a space where they can thrive and be themselves without judgment or barriers.
The reopening of Caden’s Lighthouse marks a new beginning for the space, signaling a fresh start after the challenges posed by the flooding last year. The community support and donations received during the rebuilding process reflect the importance of having inclusive and accessible spaces for neurodiverse children and their families. As the McKergow family continues to make Saturday morning visits to Caden’s Lighthouse a regular part of their routine, they are grateful for the sense of belonging and acceptance that the space provides for Maya and other neurodiverse children in the community.
In conclusion, the story of Caden’s Lighthouse highlights the impact of community support and the importance of providing inclusive spaces for neurodiverse children. Through the dedication and perseverance of owner Rachel Ricci and the generosity of donors, the lighthouse was able to overcome the challenges of the flood and reopen its doors to the children and families who rely on it. The positive impact of Caden’s Lighthouse on the McKergow family and others in the community underscores the need for more spaces like it where neurodiverse children can feel safe, accepted, and empowered to be themselves.
