A father from London, Ontario, is walking to Toronto, pushing his daughter's empty wheelchair 200 km to help her get medical care. He wants to make it easier for people to get medical care outside of Canada.

Joe Gesualdi started his walk on Tuesday, pushing the wheelchair to Victoria Park, the first 4 km of his journey to draw attention to his daughter's struggle.

Sydney was 24 when she was in a car crash in July 2023. At first, she was diagnosed with whiplash, but later she lost the ability to walk and had trouble breathing.

Now 27, Sydney needs surgery in New York that could help her, but her family cannot afford it.

A dad is walking from London to Queen's Park to share his daughter's health story.

Joe Gesualdi said, 'This wheelchair represents everything taken away from Sydney's young life.'

Joe is walking 200 km as a symbol of his love for Sydney and to help her have a normal life again.

Joe said, 'I won't give up on Sydney, and I hope this walk will bring change.'

Sydney has a condition that affects her neck and skull. Her symptoms have worsened, and she now has memory loss and trouble speaking.

Sydney said, 'I'm mostly at home, and my life is very small. I only leave for medical appointments.'

Sydney said, 'I'm getting worse without care, and my symptoms are very concerning.'

Sydney said, 'I'm scared and don't want to die.'

Last year, Sydney tried to get a spinal assessment, but doctors said they were too busy.

The family consulted a doctor in New York who said Sydney needs surgery that costs over $490,000.

The Ontario government said no to paying for Sydney's surgery, so the family must raise the money.

Joe said, 'If we wait too long, Sydney may not benefit from the surgery.'

Joe is giving out flyers about Sydney's story and asking for donations for her surgery.

Joe hopes the walk will get the attention of the government and help bring change.

Joe said, 'If people understand what's happening, it can help bring meaningful change.'

Sydney is thankful for her dad's walk and her mom's help planning the route.

Sydney said, 'I feel lucky, but also sad that my dad has to do this for me to get medical care.'

Joe said, 'The walk will be hard, but it's not as hard as what Sydney faces every day.'

Joe said, 'I will walk every km, no shortcuts.'

Joe said, 'The walk is long, but Sydney's need for care never takes a break.'