Kids take the wheel in custom-built toy cars at GoBabyGo event

Volunteers modify ride-on cars for children with physical challenges opening a world of mobility and independence

For a group of pediatric patients, this morning marked more than playtime. It marked their first experience behind the wheel and for many, their first opportunity to explore independently.

At GoBabyGo, children with limited mobility took their first solo rides in custom‑modified electric toy cars built just for them. The annual event is hosted by Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital.

During the May 16 event, 21 children received custom‑modified, battery‑powered toy cars designed to support their individual therapeutic and mobility needs. Adapted by a team of therapists and volunteers from across Northwestern Medicine, the cars give children who are unable to walk or crawl and are too young for a motorized wheelchair the ability to move, explore and play alongside their peers.

“GoBabyGo is more than a single day. It creates a life‑changing moment for both children and their families,” said Stephanie Salentine, manager of rehabilitation services at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital. “For many of these kids, this is their first experience with independent mobility. Seeing the confidence and excitement as they take that first drive is incredibly meaningful for families and care teams alike.”

GoBabyGo focuses on improving mobility, socialization and developmental skills for young children with physical and medical challenges.

Each car is customized with therapeutic modifications such as specialized seating, hand controls, five‑point harnesses and head supports to meet the unique needs of every child. The cars are donated and provided to families at no cost.

For families, watching their children experience independent play and movement, often for the first time, is what makes the GoBabyGo event such a powerful and memorable experience.

“I was not expecting this. Not at all. This is beyond words. It truly is,” said Steven Kosriog, of Carol Stream, Ill. “There’s no greater feeling than seeing your son have that independence, especially the independence that he looks for and we look for in him as parents. It means the world.”

Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital has hosted GoBabyGo events since 2015 with support physical and occupational therapists across the Northwestern Medicine health system who volunteer their time to build the cars, as well as community volunteers.

This was the first time the Simmons family, of Joliet, volunteered at GoBabyGo, but they aren’t strangers to the event.

Last year, their son Glenn was a recipient of a modified toy car. After experiencing the event as participants, they were eager to come back to bring other children the same joy they experienced from Glenn.

Jerome Simmons gathered a group of colleagues to join their volunteer team.

“Last year, it was so much fun. Glenn enjoyed his vehicle so much. We were so happy and overjoyed just to see him get to play and enjoy himself,” said Jerome. “This year, I brought volunteers with me. I’ll be here every year to participate and help increase mobility for other kids.”

Founded in 1972, Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital delivers the most innovative rehabilitation solutions available with compassion. The hospital treats a wide range of injuries and illnesses with specialized rehabilitation programs for brain injury, neuromuscular, orthopedic, pediatric, spinal cord and stroke.

In 2024, Marianjoy achieved the prestigious Magnet designation for nursing excellence. It is one of just a handful of freestanding rehabilitation hospitals in the U.S. to receive Magnet designation. To learn more, visit nm.org/locations/marianjoy-rehabilitation-hospital.