Tag: Accessible Bathroom

Peyton

Written by Clareece Cunningham on December 8, 2022. Posted in Artisan Design Studio, Meet the Kids.

7 Years Old
Cerebral Palsy, Hydrocephalus, Epilepsy

In 2015, Crystal gave birth to twins Peyton and Taylor at 26 weeks. Both only weighed a little over a pound a piece! Taylor had a brain bleed and Peyton suffered bilateral brain bleeds grade 3 and 4. After both came down with hydrocephalus, the girls got a VP shunt to help drain extra cerebrospinal fluid from the brain. All of this resulted in 3 months in the NICU! For the first year of their lives afterward, all seemed normal until they noticed Peyton was ignoring her right hand. They soon began early interventions and before long Peyton was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, affecting the right side of her body. She worked super hard in therapies and was able to take her first steps at 3 years old! Since then, Peyton began having seizures and now has the diagnosis of focal epilepsy as well.

“Despite everything she has gone through, she is the sweetest, happiest girl!“

Despite everything she has gone through, she is the sweetest, happiest girl! In June of 2022 she underwent a surgery called selective dorsal rhizotomy at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. This surgery was intended to relieve some of her symptoms of cerebral palsy and hopefully help her stay mobile and gain more skills. Peyton spent 30 days in the rehab facility at the hospital, working through intensive physical therapy. Even though this surgery requires a lot out of Peyton for the first year post-op, she has stayed so joyful and determined! Her hard work of relearning how to walk again paid off when she took her first independent steps again a week before Halloween. She attends intensive physical therapy 5 days a week and is making great strides towards a full recovery! “She is truly my hero,” – Peyton’s mom, Crystal.

Peyton_2023_family_0008
Peyton_2023_family_0003
Peyton_2023_family_0010
Peyton_2023_family_0007
Peyton_2023_family_0004
Peyton_2023_family_0002

Photography by Carrie Birchfield

Peyton_2023_reveal_00028

Peyton_2023_reveal_00026
Peyton_2023_reveal_00025
Peyton_2023_reveal_00027
Peyton_2023_reveal_0017
Peyton_2023_reveal_00024
Peyton_2023_reveal_00022
Peyton_2023_reveal_00029
Peyton_2023_reveal_0005
Peyton_2023_reveal_0009
Peyton_2023_reveal_0013
Peyton_2023_reveal_0016
Peyton_2023_reveal_0008
Peyton_2023_reveal_00023
Peyton_2023_reveal_00030
Peyton_2023_reveal_0015
Peyton_2023_reveal_0018
Peyton_2023_reveal_0012
Peyton_2023_reveal_0019

Caitlin_In Loving Memory
logo_cobb_emc_foundation
logo_Sunshine_on_a_Ranney_Fairway
logo_artisan_design_studio
logo_randall_brothers
logo_cambria
logo_cr_construction_v2
logo_builders_cabinet_company
logo_delta_faucet
logo_pulley&associates
logo_american_signature_furniture
logo_traditions_in_tile
logo_schluter_systems
logo_cowan_supply
logo_tko_plumbing
logo_servicewise_electric
logo_bin_there_dump_that
logo_birchfield_photography
logo_nothing_bundt_cakes

Hudson

Written by Clareece Cunningham on December 8, 2022. Posted in Meet the Kids, Reynard Custom Homes.

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!

Hudson_2023_family_00005
Hudson_2023_family_00004
Hudson_2023_family_00002
Hudson_2023_family_00009
Hudson_2023_family_00012
Hudson_2023_family_00008

Photography by Vicki Alsup Photography

Hudson_2023_reveal_00023

Hudson_2023_reveal_00027
Hudson_2023_reveal_00028
Hudson_2023_reveal_00011
Hudson_2023_reveal_00060
Hudson_2023_reveal_00010
Hudson_2023_reveal_00076
Hudson_2023_reveal_00001
Hudson_2023_reveal_00058
Hudson_2023_reveal_00004
Hudson_2023_reveal_00009
Hudson_2023_reveal_00008
Hudson_2023_reveal_00015
Hudson_2023_reveal_00061
Hudson_2023_reveal_00022
Hudson_2023_reveal_00063
Hudson_2023_reveal_00016
Hudson_2023_reveal_00019
Hudson_2023_reveal_00033
Hudson_2023_reveal_00046
Hudson_2023_reveal_00050
Hudson_2023_reveal_00040
Hudson_2023_reveal_00041

logo_cobb_emc_foundation
logo_reynard_custom_homes
logo_real_floors_commercial
logo_vicki_alsup_photography2
logo_mohawk
logo_rooms_to_go
logo_randall_brothers
logo_nugget
logo_asv_productions
logo_servicewise_electric
logo_bin_there_dump_that
logo_nothing_bundt_cakes

Bryce

Written by Clareece Cunningham on December 8, 2022. Posted in Meet the Kids.

5 Years Old
Cerebral Palsy

Bryce is a vibrant and remarkable 5 year old boy who lights up the room. Bryce was born at 27 weeks and spent 2 months in the NICU . As an infant, he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Most of the time, he utilizes a walker and crutches to get around but recently received a wheelchair for long distances. His diagnosis does not deter him from his eagerness to explore and become independent. He was destined to stand out in the most amazing way while warming the hearts of everyone who crosses his path. His great sense of humor and clever personality is loved and embraced by so many.

“Bryce is the nucleus of their village that keeps everyone connected and in high spirits.”

He attends kindergarten at Still Elementary with his 10 year old sister, London. His family feels so fortunate to have such a strong network of individuals who genuinely care about his mental and physical well-being. Bryce is the nucleus of their village that keeps everyone connected and in high spirits.

Bryce enjoys drawing and telling elaborate stories with fantasy and supernatural themes. He can spend hours creating intricate designs with magnetic blocks and participates in the Horizon Baseball League for children with special needs. We have no doubt that Bryce’s compassionate spirit, inquisitive mind and strong determination will go a long way!

Bryce_2023_family_00010
Bryce_2023_family_00001
Bryce_2023_family_00009
Bryce_2023_family_00005
Bryce_2023_family_00004
Bryce_2023_family_00006

Photography by Nicole Wood Photography

Bryce_2023_reveal_00021

Bryce_2023_reveal_00020
Bryce_2023_reveal_00019
Bryce_2023_reveal_00018
Bryce_2023_reveal_00017
Bryce_2023_reveal_00016
Bryce_2023_reveal_00015
Bryce_2023_reveal_00014
Bryce_2023_reveal_00013
Bryce_2023_reveal_00012
Bryce_2023_reveal_00011
Bryce_2023_reveal_00010
Bryce_2023_reveal_00009
Bryce_2023_reveal_00008
Bryce_2023_reveal_00007
Bryce_2023_reveal_00005
Bryce_2023_reveal_00004
Bryce_2023_reveal_00003
Bryce_2023_reveal_00002
Bryce_2023_reveal_00001

logo_cobb_emc_foundation
logo_roswell_womens_club
logo_nicole_west_interiors
logo_real_floors_commercial
logo_randall_brothers
logo_builders_cabinet_company
logo_rooms_to_go
logo_mohawk
logo_comfort_research
logo_cr_construction_v2
logo_cambria
logo_echols
logo_traditions_in_tile
logo_tko_plumbing
logo_schluter_systems
logo_asv_productions
logo_delta_faucet
logo_pulley&associates
logo_devore_&_johnson
logo_bin_there_dump_that
logo_nicole_photography
logo_niki_murphy_photography
logo_servicewise_electric
logo_nothing_bundt_cakes

Levi

Written by Clareece Cunningham on December 8, 2022. Posted in Chattahoochee Tech Design Program, Meet the Kids.

6 Years Old
Nemaline Myopathy

Levi is a brilliant, sweet and chatty 7 year old boy who loves Ironman, Spiderman and Sonic the Hedgehog. He is affected by Nemaline Myopathy, a rare form of muscular dystrophy. Because NM affects his muscles, he is unable to walk and instead zips around in a power chair. Levi is unable to breathe adequately on his own, so he has a trach and ventilator to help him.

“…having a space that is adapted to assist him rather than being another obstacle, will be life changing!”

He has had multiple surgeries and hospital stays in his short life in an attempt to keep him healthy and maximize his quality of life. In moments like these, he loves being around his brother Ari for playtime. He still strives for independence and having a space that is adapted to assist him rather than being another obstacle, will be life changing!

Levi_2023_family_00001
Levi_2023_family_00002
Levi_2023_family_00003
Levi_2023_family_00005
Levi_2023_family_00004
Levi_2023_family_00006
Levi_2023_family_00008

Photography by Birchfield Photography

Levi_2023_reveal_00005

Levi_2023_reveal_00004
Levi_2023_reveal_00015
Levi_2023_reveal_00003
Levi_2023_reveal_00027
Levi_2023_reveal_00024
Levi_2023_reveal_00002
Levi_2023_reveal_00016
Levi_2023_reveal_00006
Levi_2023_reveal_00026
Levi_2023_reveal_00025
Levi_2023_reveal_00023
Levi_2023_reveal_00022
Levi_2023_reveal_00021
Levi_2023_reveal_00012
Levi_2023_reveal_00009
Levi_2023_reveal_00020
Levi_2023_reveal_00008
Levi_2023_reveal_00028
Levi_2023_reveal_00019

logo_Sunshine_on_a_Ranney_Fairway
logo_kids_r_kids
logo_jackson_healthcare
logo_cobb_emc_foundation
logo_chattahoochee_tech
logo_real_floors_commercial
logo_american_signature_furniture
logo_crossville_tile
logo_randall_brothers
logo_cambria
logo_cr_construction_v2
logo_top_knobs
logo_echols
logo_tko_plumbing
logo_servicewise_electric
logo_pls_carpentry
logo_traditions_in_tile
logo_schluter_systems
logo_delta_faucet
logo_pulley&associates
logo_cowan_supply
logo_bin_there_dump_that
logo_birchfield_photography
logo_nothing_bundt_cakes

Ellie

Written by Clareece Cunningham on December 8, 2022. Posted in Meet the Kids.

4 Years Old
Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia

Ellie was a perfectly healthy baby during prenatal check ups and Jenn (Ellie’s momma) had a wonderful pregnancy. However, the last two minutes of labor changed everything. She swallowed Meconium, got stuck in the birth canal, and had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck. She was blue and limp when she arrived. It took two minutes to revive her and just in that amount of time, she lost oxygen to her brain causing injury to her cerebellum, which controls fine motor skills and balance. Since Ellie’s birth, her family has been learning and handling challenge after challenge.

“It’s hard to believe the first year of her life they tried just about everything to make her smile or laugh but now it’s effortless!“

Due to her developmental delay and strange movement disorder (later diagnosed as dystonia) her Neurologist conducted a genetic test for Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia type 2A. Soon after her first birthday in April 2019, they received the positive results. This means both parents passed the gene to Ellie causing her cerebellum and half of her brain stem to stop growing in the womb. So now, on top of her birth injury, she also has this genetic mutation. It’s such a rare disease that doctors really don’t know a prognosis and only about 100 people have been documented having this gene. Some children pass away during childhood years, however, some have lived well into her twenties.

What we DO know is Ellie is the happiest baby in the world! It’s hard to believe the first year of her life they tried just about everything to make her smile or laugh but now it’s effortless! She is the silliest girl and keeps everyone laughing. She loves any and all music, including the jams on Cocomelon and when her Daddy plays guitar for her! Even though she is technically “non-verbal” she definitely communicates in her own little language and is such a social butterfly. Water is at the top of her favorites because it gives her freedom and some independence. When in her special float, she is able to move freely by herself and is not dependent on help.

Ellie_2023_family_0002
Ellie_2023_family_0001
Ellie_2023_family_0003
Ellie_2023_family_0004
Ellie_2023_family_0005
Ellie_2023_family_0006

Photography by Christina Elmore Photography

Ellie_2023_reveal_0003

Ellie_2023_reveal_0007
Ellie_2023_reveal_0004
Ellie_2023_reveal_0008
Ellie_2023_reveal_0005
Ellie_2023_reveal_0006
Ellie_2023_reveal_0009
Ellie_2023_reveal_0023
Ellie_2023_reveal_0022
Ellie_2023_reveal_0018
Ellie_2023_reveal_0019
Ellie_2023_reveal_0011
Ellie_2023_reveal_0010
Ellie_2023_reveal_0014
Ellie_2023_reveal_0015
Ellie_2023_reveal_0012
Ellie_2023_reveal_0013
Ellie_2023_reveal_0021
Ellie_2023_reveal_0020
Ellie_2023_reveal_0001
Ellie_2023_reveal_0002
Ellie_2023_reveal_0016
Ellie_2023_reveal_0017
Ellie_2023_reveal_0024

logo_Sunshine_on_a_Ranney_Fairway
logo_kids_r_kids
logo_cobb_emc_foundation
logo_jackson_healthcare
logo_deep_south_construction
logo_christina_elmore
logo_SEAS_interiors
logo_101_mobility
logo_fodac
logo_mohawk
logo_builders_cabinet_company
logo_american_signature_furniture
logo_cambria
logo_cr_construction_v2
logo_schluter_systems
logo_traditions_in_tile
logo_cowan_supply
logo_delta_faucet
logo_pulley&associates
logo_top_knobs
logo_nothing_bundt_cakes

Noah

Written by Clareece Cunningham on December 8, 2022. Posted in Meet the Kids.

11 Years Old
Rasmussen Encephalitis

Noah was born at 32 weeks with no complications. He was a healthy active kid until 6 yrs old when he had his first seizure episode in the summer of 2018. Doctors couldn’t figure out why Noah was having seizures 10 times a day until an amazing doctor at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta figured out what was wrong with him. In the spring of 2019, Noah was diagnosed with Rasmussen Encephalitis. In late fall of 2019, he had his first brain surgery (Right Hemispherectomy) and his last seizure.

“Noah has always had an open mind with the outcome of his surgery.”

Today, Noah is now physically disabled on the left side of his body and needs help with day-to-day needs. Noah has always had an open mind with the outcome of his surgery. He remains strong and motivated to regain some of his independence while playing sports with Gwinnett Heat in Gwinnett County. He has physical/occupational therapy 2 times a week, Botox every 4-6 months, and is doing amazing with his long recovery. Noah is super excited to have a space he can call his own where he can move around freely and independently.

SOARD Noah-11
SOARD Noah-20
SOARD Noah-5
SOARD Noah-19
SOARD Noah-27

Photography by Niki Murphy Photography

Noah_2023_reveal_00002

Noah_2023_reveal_00007
Noah_2023_reveal_00003
Noah_2023_reveal_00004
Noah_2023_reveal_00024
Noah_2023_reveal_00006
Noah_2023_reveal_00026
Noah_2023_reveal_00008
Noah_2023_reveal_00009
Noah_2023_reveal_00027
Noah_2023_reveal_00012
Noah_2023_reveal_00028
Noah_2023_reveal_00010
Noah_2023_reveal_00011
Noah_2023_reveal_00013
Noah_2023_reveal_00014
Noah_2023_reveal_00022
Noah_2023_reveal_00016
Noah_2023_reveal_00017
Noah_2023_reveal_00029
Noah_2023_reveal_00018
Noah_2023_reveal_00019
Noah_2023_reveal_00020
Noah_2023_reveal_00021
Noah_2023_reveal_00031

logo_jc_foundation
logo_cobb_emc_foundation
logo_color_fresh_home_designs
logo_randall_brothers
logo_real_floors_commercial
logo_mohawk
logo_cambria
logo_cr_construction_v2
logo_echols
logo_tko_plumbing
logo_servicewise_electric
logo_builders_cabinet_company
logo_top_knobs
logo_traditions_in_tile
logo_schluter_systems
logo_rooms_to_go
logo_comfort_research
logo_asv_productions
logo_delta_faucet
logo_pulley&associates
logo_cowan_supply
logo_bin_there_dump_that
logo_niki_murphy_photography
logo_nothing_bundt_cakes

Jason

Written by Clareece Cunningham on December 8, 2022. Posted in Meet the Kids, Randall Paulson Architects.

19 Years Old
Cerebral Palsy & Dystonia

Jason recently completed his freshman year at University of West Georgia! He was born a preemie weighing 2lb 9oz, spent 86 days in the NICU and by age one he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Dystonia. Today, Jason is wheelchair bound and uses a power wheelchair like a boss! He is completely dependent on someone to assist him with everyday life. Since he is not able to use his arms, he must be fed, but can clearly tell you that the food is too hot, salty or disgusting. So from the neck up Jason is a “typical” 17-year-old!

“…from the neck up Jason is a ‘typical’ 17-year-old!”

For Jason to take a shower, his family needs to undress him in his room and carry him through most of the house to reach the bathroom. Once in the bathroom, he uses a tub chair to shower. However, when Jason goes to camp and respite, he has a lot more independence and ability to do normal things like showering and using the restroom because of the accessibility of the bathrooms there. Because of this, he loves when he goes to camp – so we can’t wait to help him have the same feeling about his own space in his house!

Aside from going to camp, Jason loves going to the movies with friends and family to watch Marvel movies – of which he is an avid fan! He also loves anything Anime and frequently reads Fan Fiction Anime. His favorite places to visit are New Orleans and DC, but he has dreams of going to New York City! At home, Jason’s younger sister, Junia, frequently keeps him entertained with all kinds of shenanigans.

Jason_2023_family_0009
Jason_2023_family_0004
Jason_2023_family_0010
Jason_2023_family_0012
Jason_2023_family_0008
Jason_2023_family_0003
Jason_2023_family_0001

Photography by Niki Murphy Photography

Jason_2023_reveal_0004

Jason_2023_reveal_0001
Jason_2023_reveal_0002
Jason_2023_reveal_0003
Jason_2023_reveal_0005
Jason_2023_reveal_0006
Jason_2023_reveal_0007
Jason_2023_reveal_0008
Jason_2023_reveal_0016
Jason_2023_reveal_0009
Jason_2023_reveal_0010
Jason_2023_reveal_0011
Jason_2023_reveal_0012
Jason_2023_reveal_0013
Jason_2023_reveal_0014
Jason_2023_reveal_0015
Jason_2023_reveal_0021
Jason_2023_reveal_0018
Jason_2023_reveal_0020

logo_helen_jimmy_Carlos
logo_Sunshine_on_a_Ranney_Fairway
logo_jackson_healthcare
logo_kids_r_kids
logo_cobb_emc_foundation
logo_randall_paulson
logo_real_floors_commercial
logo_mohawk
logo_randall_brothers
logo_pls_carpentry
logo_tko_plumbing
logo_servicewise_electric
logo_american_signature_furniture
logo_comfort_research
logo_cambria
logo_cr_construction_v2
logo_echols
logo_traditions_in_tile
logo_schluter_systems
logo_top_knobs
logo_builders_cabinet_company
logo_delta_faucet
logo_pulley&associates
logo_bin_there_dump_that
logo_niki_murphy_photography
logo_iframe_media
logo_nothing_bundt_cakes

Cade

Written by Joe Lane on November 28, 2022. Posted in Meet the Kids.

20 Years Old
Spinal Injury C4 Incomplete

Cade graduated highschool in May of 2020. In January of 2021, he was a passenger during a motor vehicle accident and was ejected from the vehicle. Miraculously, he survived. He spent 5 days in a local ICU and was transferred to Shepherds Spinal Center in Atlanta where he spent one week in ICU followed by 9 weeks of inpatient rehab for a spinal cord injury. He was given the diagnosis of C4 incomplete (when damage is dealt about mid-way down the cervical spinal cord), spent 6 weeks on a vent, and is now in a power wheelchair to get around day to day.

“Miraculously, he survived.”

Cade is making progress towards being functional, but right now still requires around the clock care for someone to bathe him, feed him, etc.. even scratch his “itches”! His parents were able to remodel their bathroom so that he can shower there, but his current room is tough for him to get around in and he can’t get in his bathroom. He plans on going to college online at Georgia Highlands for the fall of 2022. While there, he will be studying Psychology and Computer Animation, perfectly in line with his interests of Anime, Star Wars and cars. The world is blessed to still have Cade in it and we are so excited to help make modifications that will allow him to be more independent!

Cade_2023_family_00008
Cade_2023_family_00009
Cade_2023_family_00005
Cade_2023_family_00004
Cade_2023_family_00003
Cade_2023_family_00002

Photography by Carrie Birchfield Photography

Cade_2023_reveal_00005

Cade_2023_reveal_00014
Cade_2023_reveal_00015
Cade_2023_reveal_00013
Cade_2023_reveal_00006
Cade_2023_reveal_00007
Cade_2023_reveal_00008
Cade_2023_reveal_00002
Cade_2023_reveal_00012
Cade_2023_reveal_00003
Cade_2023_reveal_00001
Cade_2023_reveal_00004
Cade_2023_reveal_00009
Cade_2023_reveal_00011
Cade_2023_reveal_00010

logo_cobb_emc_foundation
logo_b_interiors
logo_urostat_healthcare
logo_birchfield_photography
logo_real_floors_commercial
logo_randall_brothers
logo_cambria
logo_cr_construction_v2
logo_echols
logo_traditions_in_tile
logo_schluter_systems
logo_pls_carpentry
logo_tko_plumbing
logo_servicewise_electric
logo_cowan_supply
logo_3lp_engineering
logo_delta_faucet
logo_pulley&associates
logo_rooms_to_go
logo_iframe_media
logo_bin_there_dump_that
logo_nothing_bundt_cakes

MarQuis

Written by Joe Lane on May 31, 2022. Posted in Meet the Kids, Randall Paulson Architects.

18 Years Old
Mitochondrial Encephalopathy

MarQuis and his twin brother were born without any complications. When MarQuis was around 10 months old, he was sick with a typical virus and woke up the next day a completely different child. The initial thought was that MarQuis had a seizure until he had another episode. MarQuis and his family traveled to multiple cities for an official diagnosis and finally at the age of 2 after a muscle biopsy MarQuis was diagnosed with mitochondrial disorder. In 2005 MarQuis had an episode that the doctors did not think he would survive but God had other plans. Fortunately, that was the final episode.

“MarQuis has a love for life and speaks his own language to communicate his needs.”

MarQuis is permanently disabled and needs assistance with all daily needs. MarQuis has a love for life and speaks his own language to communicate his needs. His house is currently not accessible which is very challenging for his family and caregivers. MarQuis and his family are so excited for MarQuis to have a space that is truly his own and reflective of his personality!

marquis_2022_family_00004
marquis_2022_family_00005
marquis_2022_family_00006
marquis_2022_family_00003
marquis_2022_family_00002
marquis_2022_family_00001

Photography by Jennifer Boxley Photography

Marquis_2022_reveal_00001

Marquis_2022_reveal_00006
Marquis_2022_reveal_00020
Marquis_2022_reveal_00005
Marquis_2022_reveal_00003
Marquis_2022_reveal_00004
Marquis_2022_reveal_00012
Marquis_2022_reveal_00021
Marquis_2022_reveal_00014
Marquis_2022_reveal_00013
Marquis_2022_reveal_00011

logo_the_voila_foundation
logo_kids_r_kids
logo_jackson_healthcare
logo_randall_paulson
logo_randall_brothers
logo_real_floors_commercial
logo_tko_plumbing
logo_asv_productions
logo_rooms_to_go
logo_comfort_research
logo_cambria
logo_cr_construction_v2
logo_mohawk
logo_delta_faucet
logo_pulley&associates
logo_devore_&_johnson
logo_top_knobs
logo_traditions_in_tile
logo_schluter_systems
logo_servicewise_electric
logo_bin_there_dump_that
logo_jennifer_boxley_photography
logo_nothing_bundt_cakes

Mariah

Written by Joe Lane on May 27, 2022. Posted in Meet the Kids.

17 Years Old
Brain Tumor

In 2013 when Mariah was nine years old, she had a headache that would not go away. After several visits to various doctors, Mariah went to the emergency room at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The emergency room doctor initially thought Mariah had a viral infection but ran a CT scan for confirmation. The CT scan showed a mass in Mariah’s brain which required a follow-up with a neurosurgeon. Mariah underwent brain surgery and had the tumor removed and the prognosis was positive, Mariah was expected to recover and unlikely to have any more issues.

Unfortunately, less than one year later Mariah had a regrowth of the tumor which required another surgery for removal. After the second surgery, the doctors learned that the tumor was extremely aggressive. The type of tumor is called ATRT and the chances of survival are about 50/50. The doctors explained that Mariah would be extremely sick and spend the majority of the next year in the hospital. Mariah was sick at the beginning of treatment but later in the year she was doing so well that the doctors were baffled at how well she tolerated her therapies and medications. Towards the end of Mariah‘s treatment, she had difficulty walking and increased weakness in her legs. An MRI revealed that she had extreme swelling building in her brain and it was affecting all of her motor movements. Mariah’s condition continued to worsen, she eventually lost all of her ability to move and was very close to not being able to breathe on her own. Around 2016 Mariah was using a machine to rattle her lungs so that she would not get pneumonia. She also needed help with all of her needs including going to the bathroom, getting dressed, and turning over in the night. Mariah was almost like a zombie.

“Life has recently become more challenging for our family as Mariah is growing more everyday.”

Since 2016, Mariah’s family has been on a path to help Mariah get better. The treatments that she received for her brain swelling left her with bone integrity issues as well as post-menopausal. She also needed double hip replacements and hormone replacement. She has had one hip replacement. Mariah has lived with a lot of pain and sadness as to why this has happened to her. However, God has truly used Mariah to grow her parent’s faith and to touch many lives around her in the community. Mariah continues to show signs of improvement to this day. She has not regained the ability to walk or use of her hands but she is much more alert and spunkier! Currently, Mariah attends therapies twice a week and is active in the church. She is also involved in a special-needs organization called, Extra Special People. These outlets have provided an abundance of joy for Mariah. Mariah and her parents are so thankful for their family and community. They are eager to see what the future holds for Mariah and do not think God is finished healing Mariah.