Schaumburg firefighters give assistive device to girl with epilepsy and cerebral palsy

Kelly Boscardin’s Schaumburg backyard billowed with foam Sunday as friends, neighbors and area firefighters joyously soaked themselves.

They were celebrating her daughter Savanah’s upcoming 9th birthday and a surprise gift from Project Fire Buddies that promises to transform the young girl’s life.

The gift, a Guided Hands assistive device, will allow her to write, draw, and communicate independently using upper arm movements.

Savanah was born with epilepsy and diagnosed with cerebral palsy two years later. She has limited verbal communication — about 10 words total — and relies largely on a communication device with buttons to express needs.

“She is not independent,” Boscardin said. “I've always helped her to write, hand over hand.”

The device, which Boscardin discovered at an expo at the Schaumburg Convention Center, straps onto Savanah's arm, allowing her to hold tools like markers independently.

Lianna Genovese, founder of ImaginAble Solutions and inventor of Guided Hands, said in a press release. “Seeing children express themselves using Guided Hands and be creative is what drives us each day,” she said.

“It's going to do the magic for us,” Boscardin said. “It's basically my hand.”

The celebration featured a foam party provided by Varsity Foam. Savanah's face radiated excitement at the prospect of writing her name independently.

Savanah’s 16-year-old caregiver, Bennett Spies, helped decorate a balloon display — an archway accented with butterflies — that reflected the party’s theme, Disney’s Encanto.

“She just is such a joy,” Spies said. “When you're around her, you just smile with her.”

Schaumburg firefighters from the local chapter of Project Fire Buddies delivered the gift. Project Fire Buddies partners with fire departments to offer support for critically ill children and their families.

The connection between Savanah and local firefighters began two years ago during a medical crisis.

Savanah experienced multiple seizures in one day, and Schaumburg firefighter Sarie Turner was among those responding to the 911 call, helping carry Savanah to her bed.

A year later, Turner reappeared when Make-A-Wish Foundation provided Savanah with a backyard pool. Turner and her fellow firefighters came to fill the pool.

That’s when Turner told Boscardin about Project Fire Buddies and encouraged her to apply.

“As she's driving away, I texted her, 'Oh my gosh, you're the one that carried my daughter,'” Boscardin recalled.

“Being part of Project Fire Buddies and getting to support Savanah and Kelly has been incredibly meaningful,” said Turner, who was unable to attend in a statement. “Watching their faces light up when we visit reminds us why we do what we do.”

Savanah, completely mobile in her wheelchair with what her mother calls “moonwheel” Michael Jackson moves, also uses a walker. She attends a special needs classroom in Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54.

“We are two years seizure-free,” Boscardin said proudly.

Schaumburg fire Lt. Jason Brizzell explained that Project Fire Buddies has six board members from the fire department’s chapter. The organization's primary mission is community outreach, supporting children with critical illnesses through at least three visits per year on birthdays, holidays, or check-ins.

“Our whole job is to help people in the community,” Brizzell said. “This is nice because we're delivering gifts and joy and happiness.”

Jessi Dussard, a friend from Palatine, came with her 5-year-old daughter Cora, who has cerebral palsy.

“Since Cora is younger, we look up to Savvy as far as what her future can be like,” Dussard said.