Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in June 2018.

In an extraordinary display of commitment, an Illinois teacher, known affectionately as “Ms. Helma,” went above and beyond to make sure that one of her 4th-grade students with cerebral palsy could participate in a two-day hiking trip. Helma Wardenaar’s dedication was so profound that she physically carried 10-year-old Maggie Vazquez, creating an inclusive and memorable experience for the young student.

As the school administrators grappled with finding a solution to include Maggie in the trip to Camp Sullivan, located 40 miles from their Chicago charter school, Academy of Global Citizenship, Wardenaar’s determination shone through. The focus was never on whether Maggie would go but on figuring out the most suitable method to make it happen.

Various ideas were explored, ranging from a wheelchair to a barrel and even the whimsical notion of renting a pony. However, logistical challenges and forest preserve regulations ruled out these options. Undeterred, Wardenaar turned to social media, seeking advice on Facebook. Through a connection with an employee named Greg at Recreational Equipment Inc., she discovered the Freeloader, a carrier tailored for taller children like Maggie.