A local 13-year-old boy with special needs will be showcased during the 54th annual Variety Show of Hearts telethon Sunday at 1:25 p.m.
Seth McKellar was born with moderate to severe hearing loss in both ears and at five years old, he lost even more of the hearing in his right ear.
"So he's always struggled with sound because hearing aids are not perfect," mom Carolyn said.
It was thanks to Variety, the children's charity's, that she was able to get hearing aids and other equipment Seth needed to make his life a little bit easier.
Carolyn said Variety had a film crew create a video that will offer a glimpse into Seth's world, including showcasing his miniature sculptures and other positive aspects of his life. Carolyn and Seth, along with Seth's father, Keith, will take to the telethon stage Sunday when the video is presented.
A couple of years ago, Carolyn, Keith and Seth moved from Victoria to a farm just outside of Prince George to offer home-schooled Seth a more comfortable lifestyle that better suits his needs.
"It's a great place for him because it's wide open and quiet and he's taken to it very well, working with cattle and machinery - he just loves that," Carolyn said. "He feels more like himself here."
The attention that Seth has received from being showcased by Variety has made him feel like he matters, she added.
"I think that's probably the biggest benefit of the attention that he's been given by Variety," Carolyn said. "It's just really good that while parents are trying really hard to figure out what's best for their child that there is some support we can access and it really helped Seth to feel like he's somebody and he counts even though he's different."
The telethon is broadcast on Global BC to introduce viewers to the children from across the province who have been helped by donations received from the public.
Variety offers B.C. children with special needs with specialized therapies, custom orthotics, educational support for learning disabilities and adaptive equipment, medical care and services, and mobility equipment.
For more information visit www.variety.bc.ca.
