Jasper is a 4-year-old boy with lots of character and a cheeky smile. He lives with his parents and 4 older siblings just 200m from the beach in the Melbourne suburb of Seaford. In many ways he is a typical 4-year-old boy who loves anything to do with cars and trucks. He also enjoys playing with balls and spending time on his iPad. His best friend is his 9-year-old brother Toby, who he adores.
Life for Jasper is more challenging than for most other kids his age because he was born with a very rare chromosomal condition called 49,XXXXY. This condition is characterised by the presence of 3 extra X chromosomes in males which impacts their physical and neurodevelopmental functioning1. This condition is extremely rare and occurs in 1:85 000–1:100 000 male births per year4. Jasper is unable to walk independently and is therefore dependent on a stroller or wheelchair for mobility.
Jasper loves being outdoors, especially going on long walks and hanging out at the beach with his family. Unfortunately, beach access has always been a challenge for Jasper and his family. Although they live just 200m from the sandy coastline, Jasper’s stroller was not able to go onto the sand as the wheels would instantly become stuck. Therefore, one parent would need to stay with Jasper and his stroller, walking up and down the pathway, whilst the rest of the family played at the beach, or they would take the risk of leaving his expensive custom stroller on the path and then carry Jasper onto the sand with the rest of the family.
Fortunately, with the assistance of NDIS funding, this has all changed recently. Astris PME were able to supply this very deserving family with an xRover, including beach wheels and bike attachment so Jasper can be included in all family activities. His stroller can be wheeled straight from his front door and onto the sand. They can now walk along the sand as a whole family unit and appreciate the views rather than be separated with Jasper and one parent having to stay back on the path. If his family want to head out for a family bike ride, Jasper can be towed along behind a parent bike in his xRover.
Jasper’s parents have been thrilled with the arrival of the xRover. On their first outing they took it for a 5km walk along the beach, reporting that it ‘pushed like a dream’. They are delighted that he will have improved access to his community and be able to participate in regular family experiences. His mum, Beck, has reported feeling reassured that he will be so well supported whilst also being safe and comfortable. She was also surprised at how easy and user friendly it was to change the wheels and even to connect the bike attachment. The additional option of the swivel wheel means that they can also use it in shopping centres and local markets.
The xRover has made a massive difference to Jasper’s life. It has alleviated previous limitations of enjoying outdoor family time together and changed Jasper’s status from spectator to participant!
Thank you to Jasper and his lovely family for allowing us to produce this feature.
xRover is a European designed multi-functional outdoor stroller. Its design and construction offers access to recreation that a wheelchair cannot. xRover is equipped with many features that make it ideal for most outdoor terrains from city streets, to the beach - even snow - and can also be attached to the back of an adult bicycle so everyone can enjoy the ride. xRover is a certified medical stroller, registered with the TGA and complies with requirements of AS EN 1212:2025 for users up to 120kg.
If you are interested in finding out more about the xRover, please call us on 1300 131 884. Or click HERE for information on our website.
References:
- 1 Peet J, Weaver D, Vance G. 49,XXXXY: a distinct phenotype. Three new cases and review. J Med Genet. 1998;35:420–424.
- 4 Kleczkowska A, Fryns JP, Van den Berghe H. X-chromosome polysomy in the male. The Leuven experience 1966–1987. Hum Genet. 1988;80:16–22.
