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Author: Clareece Cunningham

Summer

  • 9 Years Old

  • HIE, CP, Seizures, Swallowing Disfunction, Cortical Visual Impairment, Startle Reflex, Non-Verbal

Little Summer was born by emergency c-section after being extremely low on oxygen for 40 mins. She came out completely blue from not being able to breathe and was immediately  transferred to Emory NICU for cooling therapy. Her mom was told over the phone that Summer was having her body temperature cooled to try and minimize the hits to her organs from the lack of oxygen, called Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy. Summer was cleared to leave after 10 days, proof that she had major brain damage. 

It took 18 months for the doctors to catch that the milestones weren’t happening. She couldn’t sit up, had poor head control, no control of limbs or saliva, a swallowing dysfunction, epilepsy, and mixed cerebral palsy. Her muscle tone is tight and painful in some parts of her body and low tone in other areas. Summer’s main caretaker is her single mother, Shanon. Taking care of her is a struggle 24/7, now that she is getting heavier. Shanon has injured her back and neck lifting, bathing, diapering and feeding her. They are in desperate need of their home to be set up to make their lives less demanding physically and mentally. Shanon worries that after 10 years of living this way, it will only get harder and more taxing on her body and therefore Summer, as a result. 

“Summer enjoys going shopping with her mom and being with her dog Sterling.”

Summer enjoys watching children play outside, play video games, and creating art. Like many girls, pink is her color. She enjoys going shopping with her mom and being with her dog Sterling. She also loves the library and watching Spirit on Netflix – horses are her favorite animal! Sunshine on a Ranney Day is looking forward to giving Summer an accessible bathroom that is safer for both her and her mom, as well as a dream bedroom that reflects her beautiful soul!

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Photography by Rosalind Williams

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Desmond

  • 7 Years Old

  • Spina Bifida, Hydrocephalus, Club Foot, Bowel and Bladder Complications

Desmond has spina bifida, hydrocephalus and autism, but in no way do these diagnoses define him or limit his joy! His parents say is a social and caring person, always looking to greet anyone he meets in passing by shaking hands or giving a hug. Not only is he caring, but he is also fiercely independent and determined to do more things on his own; he knows what he wants! Because of this, he has always been structured in time scheduling and organization since birth. On any given day, you can find Desmond doing art, baking, cooking, out in nature, playing the piano or listening to music. He has such an imagination and loves being silly! Among his goals in life, he wants to be a veterinarian or as he calls it, a ‘pet doctor.’

“He has such an imagination and loves being silly!”

The makeover Desmond will be receiving will ensure that the space not only works for him now, but will continue to accommodate his needs for many years to come. Because of his diagnoses, he has no feeling below his knees. This requires him to use AFO braces. Getting into a bathtub or getting on hard flooring from his wheelchair is very careful work. Though he is independent and mobile with his wheelchair, they have to keep an eye on him as he can lose focus and be distracted in public settings due to his autism. Sunshine on a Ranney Day hopes to create a space for Desmond to feel safe and contained in his own bedroom, as well as a bathroom that gives space for increased independence and comfort.

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Photography by Carmen Mari

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Hudson

  • 6 Years Old

  • Gaucher Disease Type 2

Hudson is the youngest of 3 children, following his sister Olivia (8) and brother Gavin (10). He was born a happy healthy baby. Around 4 months of age, Hudson’s parents started noticing some differences in him, such as weight loss, difficulty nursing, and choking. After a few significant episodes Hudson was hospitalized around 6 months of age for further investigation. After a 16 day stay in the hospital and lots of testing Hudson was sent home with no answers and told to follow up with genetics. At the young age of 9 months old, on July 2nd, 2018, Hudson’s mom Nichole received the phone call that would forever alter the life their family had once dreamed of. Hudson was diagnosed with a rare, incurable, terminal, genetic disease, Gauchers Disease 2. They were told to put Hudson on hospice, that he would have no quality of life, never walk, talk, or live past the age of 2. Nichole’s response to them….. “but God”.

You’ve never had a hug ‘till you’ve had a Huddy hug!”

Hudson is now an amazing 5 year old who is living his BEST life! His family has and will continue to go to the ends of the earth for Hudson and his siblings. For the past 4 years they have made the drive to D.C. every 3 to 6 months for Hudson’s geneticist who is the only one in the US willing to give him a chance at life! In fact, Hudson is now being followed by geneticists all over the world as he is re-writing the books and making a way for all the children to come. 

Hudson is a very social kid, who thinks his siblings have hung the moon. He loves sports (football, basketball, and baseball), movies (Toy Story is his favorite), and has a smile that lights up his family’s world! He’s also known to give the BEST hugs. You’ve never had a hug ‘till you’ve had a Huddy hug! 

Unfortunately, Hudson is very susceptible to viruses that have kept him in the hospital ICU for more than half of his life. Because of this, they have had to keep Hudson confined within the walls of their home, limiting his exposure to the outside world. Sunshine on a Ranney Day is honored to bring light and joy into the walls that surround Hudson to help him continue living his BEST life!

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Photography by Vicki Alsup Photography

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Nicolas & Maddox

  • 8 Years Old

  • Metachromatic Leukodystrophy

Meet Nico and Maddox! In September of 2022, both boys were diagnosed with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD), a genetic disease that affects the brain and nervous system. Those with the disease progressively lose function as the substance that protects the nerve cells (Myelin) becomes damaged. The result is a loss of motor and cognitive function over time. There is no cure, and no treatment options are available at this stage of their disease.  

Nico (8) is a bundle of curiosity and creativity. From the moment he said his first words, dinosaurs became his world. His playroom is a prehistoric playground adorned with dinosaur toys, including his favorite T-Rex. It’s common to find him engrossed in dinosaur books or correcting his parents on the difference between a Brachiosaurus and a Brontosaurus. Beyond his fascination with dinosaurs, Nico possesses a remarkable intellect and vivid imagination that sets him apart. His inquisitive nature has led him to develop a keen interest in puzzles. He often thrived on the mental stimulation that solving puzzles provides. 

“One of the family’s favorite pastimes is following the path through their garden to look at all the vegetables and flowers planted along the way.”

Maddox (6) is a bundle of joy who can turn any moment into a celebration with his infectious laughter. His zest for life is evident in everything he does, and his laughter fills the air with happiness. He possesses an innate ability to lighten up a room, bringing smiles to the faces of those around him. His playful spirit and genuine enthusiasm for life make him a magnetic presence, drawing people in with the promise of shared laughter and joy. Music holds a special place in Maddox’s heart, and he expresses his love for life through the power of song. His repertoire includes the timeless classics “Happy Birthday” and the festive “Jingle Bells.” His unwavering enthusiasm turns any sing-along into a heartwarming performance that leaves everyone smiling.

One of the family’s favorite pastimes is following the path through their garden to look at all of the vegetables and flowers planted along the way. This is a perfect reflection of the family’s love for life and being together!  Sunshine on a Ranney Day’s goal is to make them as comfortable as possible as symptoms begin to limit the boys’ abilities. We hope to help the family make the most of their time with the boys by improving the accessible areas of the home to accommodate the boys’ needs.

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Photography by Kelly Larkin

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István

  • 12 Years Old

  • Cerebral Palsy, Hearing Loss, Hip Dysplasia, Chronic Lung Disease & Global Developmental Delays

István had a traumatic beginning, being born a micro-preemie at 25 weeks gestation. Only weighing 1 lb, 6 oz, he fought hard to live. Being a micro-preemie comes with so many challenges – it seems like every decision a parent makes to ensure the baby’s survival comes with a set of lifelong effects. For instance, István contracted MRSA in the hospital (which required broad-spectrum antibiotics) and was on a ventilator for months. One or both of these life-saving measures is more than likely responsible for his unilateral hearing loss. István also has hip dysplasia and cerebral palsy, among other medical challenges.

“István’s blissful character proves that an extraordinary beginning does not determine your life’s path.”

Nonetheless, István does not allow any of his diagnoses to hinder who he is and who he wants to be. He is a very joyful and fun child, always finding a joke to make you laugh or spouting random history facts that remind you of your middle school history class that you probably loathed. In his free time, István dreams of being a history teacher with an RV, so he can enjoy random camping trips across the US. István is an avid reader – reading mostly history books about World War II, the American Revolution, and Ancient Rome. As a homeschooler, TV time is limited in their household. However, when István is offered time to watch television, he loves watching the History Channel, documentaries, and movies in black and white. István’s blissful character proves that an extraordinary beginning does not determine your life’s path.

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Photography by Nicole Bryant

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Liam

  • 16 Years Old

  • Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Liam is a funny and artistic 16-year-old living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. DMD is a fatal, genetic disorder marked by progressive muscle loss due to missing exons within his DNA that produces a necessary protein. He began using a wheelchair for long distances when he was eight and lost the ability to stand and walk at 12. Showering and other activities of daily living are very difficult for him now.

A typical weekend will find him and his siblings in one game room at their stations off on an epic adventure together!”

He is an epic gamer. His gaming PC allows him to interact with friends and family, near and far, within a level virtual playing field. A typical weekend will find him and his siblings in one game room at their stations off on an epic adventure together! Liam also uses creativity to explore his thoughts and feelings. He will often say “Can I have my art stuff?” so he can draw while he watches his favorite YouTubers, Ten Hundred, Jazza, and Ace of Clay. He has multiple shelves holding dozens of sketchbooks.

One of the greatest challenges caused by DMD is that his bathroom is difficult to navigate. Liam used to love taking long, hot showers to relieve the stresses of his day and the ache in his weakened muscles. When he lost the ability to stand, he lost the ability to shower comfortably. What was once a joy has become painful, both physically and emotionally. Sunshine on a Ranney Day is looking forward to creating a space that will bring back some of that relief while showering, as well as tailoring it to Liam specifically!

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Photography by Kelley Wenzel

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Marie & Alondra

  • 17 Years Old

  • Diastrophic Dysplasia & Scoliosis

Marie is a determined, funny 17 yr old with a spinal cord injury. This self-proclaimed night owl loves to dance, cuddle with her orange eyed cat and plays on many wheelchair sports teams, including basketball for Blaze sports and wheelchair tennis. Marie has been active in the Atlanta disability community since the age of 2. Marie has served as a mentor to other disabled children at Georgia disability camps, volunteers at the local children’s hospital and works in a pediatrician’s office part-time. She is currently studying children’s healthcare in college. This rising high school senior excels in math, language arts and science. Marie is a fabulous athlete. She plays basketball for Blaze sports all girls/women team and wheelchair tennis. 

When Marie graduates high school in late 2024, she hopes to move into a duplex her mother purchased nearby. Michele, Marie’s mom, will be renting out the other side of the duplex to Alondra and her family. This means that Marie can live independently, while also having the security of others closeby. The venture will tremendously help her gain the necessary independence that all young adults long for. Without the remodel, Marie cannot reach the next milestone in her life: learning how to live on her own with just a little help. The duplex needs improvements to make it accessible for both of the girls’ independent living, and that is where Sunshine on a Ranney Day comes in! Both sides of the duplex will receive renovations that will make it possible for both girls to grow towards independence in their daily activities.

“Marie & Alondra will be neighbors; living in the same duplex and equally working towards more independent living.”

In her current living situation, Alondra has to be carried through the home by her parents because the hallways aren’t wide enough for her wheelchair. This keeps her from being independent, but with an accessible space she can do most things on her own. For seven years, Alondra has lived in a home inaccessible to her needs. She has had many back surgeries and is in physical therapy to learn how to manage life in a power wheelchair. She plans on living with her parents for many years to come, so a home that is accessible to her will be life-changing. Alondra is applying to a technical school to be a medical assistant. Her favorite color is burgundy, and she loves lively Spanish music.

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Photography by Marcelino Aguilar

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Osayi

  • 4 Years Old

  • Autism Spectrum Level 3

Osayi is a vibrant ball of energy who greets each day with enthusiasm and curiosity! He’s up early in the morning and often takes his time winding down at night. With a passion for climbing, jumping, and cars, this spirited little boy is always on the go!

Navigating speech therapy, occupational therapy, and chiropractic visits, Osayi is in need of a special sensory room where he can safely release his energy and explore the world around him. His mom dreams of a contained space where he can play freely, without the worry of him running off.

“His mom lovingly calls him her “genius boy,” as he has a remarkable knack for numbers and letters that continues to amaze her.”

Incorporating light therapy and decompression seats will help Osayi find calm during his busy days. His mom lovingly calls him her “genius boy,” as he has a remarkable knack for numbers and letters that continues to amaze her. Through Sunshine on a Ranney Day, Osayi is on the path to having the perfect therapy room tailored just for him. Join us in celebrating his journey and helping him shine even brighter!

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Photography by Rosalind Williams

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Kendall

  • 16 Years Old

  • Traumatic Brain Injury

Kendall’s parents are high school sweethearts and had three daughters and one son. Camryn, Kendall, Chase and Kaiden all have such beautifully unique personalities and roles within the family. The matriarch of my family is Kendall’s grandmother. She is affectionately known as Grandma to all. Although she is a feisty and fiery golden ager, she is the peacemaker of the family. Together they are Team Thomas. They are a team not because of their quantity, but because their togetherness is their happy place. They are Team Thomas, party of seven, and nothing can break them.

Kendall has a giving spirit and is loveable. She’s a hard worker and very passionate about football. She has always danced to her own beat and always thought outside of the box. Hence, the only female on the North Paulding High School freshman football team. She also played football in fifth grade. Kendall was very active. She refereed soccer, briefly played Lacrosse, loved babysitting, walked dogs, danced at church, and loved volunteering. Her favorite color is pink. Her favorite artists are Beyonce followed by Fantasia, Alicia Keys, and Chris Brown. 

“Kendall has always danced to her own beat and thought outside of the box.”

Their story and Kendall’s life suddenly changed on January 11, 2022, when the actions of one person had a piercing and life-altering effect on Team Thomas.. It was the unimaginable tragedy and near fatality of Kendall, who would later become the epitome of the power of prayer. It was that Tuesday, January 11, 2022, when Kendall was tragically struck by a vehicle at school landing on the left side of her head in front of her 11-year-old brother Chase and several others. Kendall was unconscious for almost three months. She sustained a traumatic brain injury and was fighting for her life. Due to the severity of her injuries, she has had to relearn how to do everything, from talking to walking. She has had four brain surgeries and three other procedures to accommodate her breathing and feeding. Although Kendall has made remarkable and miraculous improvements, she still has a long way to go. Nothing much has changed in regard to her infectious spirit, big personality, and love for Beyonce. Her favorite things to do now are singing and going to church.

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Photography by Catelyn Fraser

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Naji

  • 19 Years Old

  • T4 to L5 Spinal Injury

Naji is a nineteen-year-old young man, born on April 5, 2004 with a congenital heart defect that necessitated four open heart surgeries. His plans after high school were to pursue college degrees in both finance and law. Unfortunately, his plans were put on hold after sustaining a spinal cord injury in September 2022.

The injury Naji sustained in September 2022 caused him to become paraplegic. He was hospitalized for several months after his surgery for both recovery and extensive in-patient rehabilitation therapy. The nature of his injury by definition involves an extremely long recovery, including extensive physical and occupational therapy, lots of dedication and hard work to his treatment plan. Other hurdles he is having to navigate in addition to his paralysis are: the management of constant pain, neurogenic bowels, neurogenic bladder, emotional and psychological stress and anxiety.

“He is dedicated to … pursuing a career that would allow him to become a productive member of society – to give back what society has graciously given him.”

Naji is an extremely intelligent young man, as well as being very sensitive and caring. He has a unique sense of humor, loves animals and in fact has two dogs and a kitten: Oreo, Tango and Bear. He is dedicated to achieving recovery, going to college and pursuing a career that would allow him to become a productive member of society, and to give back what society has graciously given him.

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Photography by Niki Murphy

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