A Mother’s Step Toward a New World

Her son’s cerebral palsy did not define his limits—it became the reason Debby Elnatan refused to accept them. Watching her child spend most of his early years sitting, unable to explore the world on his own feet, she imagined something different: a way for him to stand, move, and feel life beyond a chair. Instead of surrendering to medical expectations, she turned determination into innovation.

Driven by love and persistence, Debby created a unique system of harnesses and specially connected sandals that allow an adult and a child to walk together in perfect coordination. The concept is simple yet deeply powerful. The child is securely attached to the parent’s body, while their feet rest on supportive footplates connected to the adult’s footwear. With every step the parent takes, the child experiences the natural rhythm of walking—feeling movement, balance, and the sensation of being upright.

What began as a handmade solution at home soon revealed something far greater. This invention, later known as the Upsee, offered not only physical support but also emotional transformation. It allowed children with mobility challenges to engage with their surroundings in a way they had never experienced before—eye-level with others, moving through spaces, sharing moments of connection and discovery.

The journey from a mother’s idea to a globally recognized innovation reflects the profound impact of compassion paired with creativity. Debby’s work did more than create a device; it opened doors for countless families seeking hope, independence, and a new perspective on possibility. Through each shared step, her invention continues to remind the world that progress often begins with one person’s refusal to give up.