From silence to self-expression: Child’s journey highlights Centre's impact
May 11, 2026
From silence to self-expression: Child’s journey highlights Centre's impact
Annual fundraiser surpasses $222K raised in second week of campaign
St. Catharines, ON – Kirsten and Mike Finora were told their daughter might never speak.
Then Riha said “mom” and “dad.”
It’s a simple moment—one many families might take for granted—but for Riha and her family, it represented years of uncertainty, perseverance, and a breakthrough they once feared might never come.
“One of our greatest fears was that Riha would never be able to communicate with us,” Kirsten Finora shares.
Riha was diagnosed with Sotos syndrome when she was three months old, a rare genetic condition that can impact growth, development, and communication. Early on, her family faced an overwhelming question: how would they connect with their daughter if she couldn’t express herself?
When they first connected with Niagara Children’s Centre, they were searching for answers, support, and a way forward.
Through a combination of therapies—including speech-language support—Riha was introduced to an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. That moment marked a turning point.
“That device changed everything,” Finora said. “It gave Riha a way to express her wants, needs, thoughts to others who couldn't understand her. It reduced frustration. It strengthened her social interactions. It allowed her to participate more fully in therapy, at home, and in the community.”
With continued support from the Centre’s team, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language services, Riha has built confidence and independence in ways her family once only hoped for.
Today, her progress shows up in everyday moments: expressing herself, joining in activities with others, and embracing new challenges with determination.
“Early intervention mattered,” Finora shares. “Access to specialized therapy mattered. Having a team that saw ability instead of limitation mattered.”
As of May 11, Niagara Children’s Centre’s Help Kids Shine campaign has raised $222,728.80, helping ensure children like Riha can continue to access critical therapy and support services close to home.
Help Kids Shine is the Centre’s largest annual fundraising campaign, taking place throughout the month of May. Funds raised directly support programs and services that help children with physical, developmental, and communicative delays reach their full potential.
The campaign continues this week with several community events, including local golf tournaments in support of Help Kids Shine. Local restaurants have also shown their support, with George's Greek Village donating $2 from every Chicken Kebab sold and Chile & Agave donating $1 from every margarita sold in support of the campaign throughout May.
“Community support is what makes stories like Riha’s possible,” said Noella Klawitter, CEO, Niagara Children’s Centre. “Every dollar raised helps ensure children and families across Niagara have access to the care they need.”
For Riha’s family, that support goes far beyond therapy.
“We are profoundly grateful for the role the Children’s Centre has played in Riha’s journey,” Finora said. “Without their support, the story we were told at three months old might have become reality.”
To learn more about Help Kids Shine or to donate, visit
helpkidsshine.ca.-30-
About Niagara Children’s Centre: Niagara Children’s Centre provided rehabilitation and child development services to more than 6,100 children and youth last year across the Niagara Region with physical, developmental and communicative delays. The range of services include: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language services, augmentative and alternative communication, family services and therapeutic recreation.
Media contact: Michael Morrison, Marketing & Communications Officer
Phone: 905-688-1890 ext 260
Email: michael.morrison@niagarachildrenscentre.comPhoto caption: Riha (front middle) poses for the camera in a recent photography session alongside her parents, Mike and Kirsten Finora, and siblings.