If you watch a teen boy check himself out in the mirror before he heads out for the day, you may see him inspect carefully, fix details and then give a little nod to himself for a job well done. Alexander is no different. As a 16-year-old boy, he wants more than anything to take good care of himself. Like most teens, he loves music, dancing, and watching movies with his family. Alex lives with dystonic and spastic cerebral palsy. He uses a wheelchair to mobilize himself and a walker for exercise. Alex has intellectual and developmental disabilities, placing his cognitive and emotional maturity around age 10-12.

Alex has grown into his adult body and his emerging maturity has him striving for independence when it comes to bathroom use and personal hygiene. Not only is Alex’s bathroom not conducive to his caring for himself; but, it also is not at all accessible for caregivers to assist. The toilet grab bar is jerry-rigged between the toilet and tub and often comes loose, posing one of many safety issues in his bathroom. A small wall sink was put in to allow the wheelchair to fit, but when Alex leans on it to reach for faucets, it is a great concern that it will pull off the wall.

Alex does not consider personal hygiene a chore; he is eager to take care of himself and takes great pride in his appearance and independence. An accessible bathroom will alleviate the fear of injury and help the family achieve their goal of facilitating as much independence as possible. Everyone looks forward to when Alex can look in his own mirror and give a little nod of self-approval for a job well done.

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Our next recipient of a dreamy home makeover is Juan. This compassionate sixteen year-old is most happiest when he is listening to music, watching movies or playing video games. He is very vigilant about taking care of his things and incredibly grateful for the loving care his mother provides him. Juan was born premature and resided in the NICU for two months. He was considered developmentally delayed as an infant and diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a toddler.

Juan’s medical, therapeutic and care needs are extensive and carry a significant expense. He receives special education services at school and attends physical therapy three times per week. His mother is a single parent working full time to provide him with the support and services he needs to achieve his goals. In addition to requiring extensive therapy, he also needs assistance in dressing, bathing, and getting in and out of the car and shower. Like most teenage boys, he is taller and heavier than his petite mother. This creates a substantial challenge when transferring him from the wheelchair to the bathroom and into the tub. The bathroom is too narrow for both of them and is not designed for an individual with special needs. As a result, she has to bathe him in his bed. Not only is this uncomfortable, but Juan also desires more privacy as he nears adulthood. His mom’s greatest wish is being able to gift him a home in which he will be able to achieve independence as an adult. Juan’s greatest wish is to reduce the painful burden of lifting and carrying him that his mother endures selflessly.

Sunshine on a Ranney Day is privileged to have the opportunity to make Juan’s dream come true! With the generous support of our donors, we will be renovating his home to expand his bedroom and transform his tiny bathroom into a fully adaptable bathroom that will make life a lot easier for both Juan and his mom. We hope this gift will lighten their burdens, lift their spirits and evokes endless smiles!

Photography by Sweet Life Photography by Kim

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