May 2025

REHABILITATION

PEDIATRIC PATIENTS TAKE THE WHEEL AT GOBABYGO

WHEATON, Ill. —  Smiles, cheers, and the buzz of tiny engines filled the air as pediatric patients with limited mobility experienced the thrill of independent movement at the annual GoBabyGo event at Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton, Ill.

​During the event, 18 children were gifted custom-modified, battery-powered toy cars designed to meet their individual therapeutic and mobility needs. The toy cars — adapted by a team of therapists and volunteers from across Northwestern Medicine  — provide children who are not able to walk or crawl and are too young for a motorized wheelchair, the chance to move, explore, and play like their peers.

“GoBabyGo is more than an event — it’s a moment that changes a child’s life and brings joy to these families,” said Stephanie Salentine, manager of rehabilitation services at Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital. “For many of these kids, it’s their first taste of independence. Watching them light up as they ‘drive’ for the first time is a powerful and special experience for both families and care teams.”

Originally founded at the University of Delaware, GoBabyGo aims to increase mobility, socialization, and developmental skills in young children with physical and medical challenges. Each car was customized with therapeutic adaptations such as specialized seating, hand controls, five-point harnesses, and head supports to meet the needs of each child. Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital has hosted GoBabyGo events since 2015 with the help of physical and occupational therapists from across the Northwestern Medicine health system who volunteer to build the cars. 

For the families, giving their children the opportunity to play independently like their peers despite mobility limitations is what makes the GoBabyGo event special. 

​“The car allows Finley to play like other kids his age. His peers are doing the exact same thing,” said Jason Edgar, father of Finley (4). “The car is customized to his condition. He doesn’t have a lot of control of his trunk, so they’re able to [cinch a harness] so he can sit up and actually drive himself. He’s most excited about the radio in the car.” 

Jerome Simmons was excited to surprise his 7-year-old son Glenn with a customized toy car like the one his sister plays with at home. 

“He loves cars. We’re excited about him having his own that he can control and have fun with,” said Simmons. “He gets to be more independent doing something he likes to do. That’s a big thing for me, just getting him to be as independent as possible.” 
​
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, orthopaedic, pediatric spinal cord and stroke. In 2024, Marianjoy achieved the prestigious Magnet® designation for nursing excellence. It is 1 of only 6 freestanding rehabilitation hospitals in the U.S. to receive Magnet designation. To learn more, visit: https://www.nm.org/locations/marianjoy-rehabilitation-hospital.
This article was originally published in the Northwestern Medicine Newsroom on May 21, 2025. 

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