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.

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!

Photography by Kelley Wenzel

2024_liam_reveal_0003

Glenn was born a twin at 38 weeks. However, his identical twin passed during the pregnancy at the 16th week. Several ultrasounds during the pregnancy showed that his head was not growing, and later it was discovered that Glenn would be born with microcephaly. In addition to the microcephaly diagnosis, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth. As an infant, Glenn had high anxiety and needed to be held. At 10 months, Glenn began having challenges swallowing food. After a swallow study was completed, he was diagnosed with failure to thrive which led to his first surgery and a g-tube placement. When Glenn was two, his mom began to often notice that his body jerked abruptly while he slept and that he startled easily at sudden noises. An EEG and a sleep study was completed and he was diagnosed with seizure disorder. Over time he has had a hip surgery and a spinal fusion surgery to correct the scoliosis diagnosis. Glenn has been very strong and resilient throughout all that he has had to endure and has come out of every surgery with a smile. 

Due to the effects of the cerebral palsy and the severe spasticity, Glenn has never used his hands, nor has he ever or walked. He continues to suffer from multiple seizures daily. He requires total care, as he is dependent on his family for all his needs. Glenn is a happy young man and is a social butterfly who is a big fan of music. He enjoys attention from anyone who will give it to him, and he loves for people to talk to him! He tries hard to talk and sing, and occasionally you can understand some of his words and phrases. He enjoys observing people and waiting for them to do or say something silly so that he can laugh. When Glenn finds something funny, he will laugh and snort to no end. He wakes up smiling every morning ready to play. He understands everything and knows what he likes and dislikes. He is not bashful at showing the world who he truly is!

Photography by Niki Murphy

2024_reveal_glenn_0019

Adam is a young adult who has defied the odds and turned his challenges into triumphs. Born with Hydrocephalus and cerebral palsy, Adam has never let his wheelchair-bound condition define him. Instead, he has embraced life with an unyielding spirit and an infectious zest.

Bilingual and highly active, Adam’s accomplishments are as diverse as they are impressive. He is a skilled horseback rider, a tennis player, a swimmer, and even a scuba diver. His determination and discipline have also earned him a green belt in martial arts. Adam’s academic journey is equally inspiring. He attended the IDEAL program at Georgia State University, where he successfully earned his degree. Today, he continues to contribute to the university community through his work at the Center for Leadership and Disabilities. 

Born a twin, Adam’s radiant personality shines as brightly as the sun he loves so much. His exceptional social skills and his innate ability to uplift everyone around him make him a cherished presence. Adam is truly a blessing to those who know him, and his loved ones eagerly anticipate his continued success and the achievement of his goals.

Photography by Jacey Verhoef

Adam_2024_reveal_0001