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Tag: Therapy Room

Naji

Written by Clareece Cunningham on . Posted in Meet the Kids.

  • 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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Emery

Written by Clareece Cunningham on . Posted in Meet the Kids.

  • 6 Years Old

  • Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome, Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum, Chiari Type 1, Severe Photophobia & Tethered Spinal Cord

They call Emery their ray of sunshine. She radiates joy, is extremely determined and spunky, loves music, spinning, and is always up for an adventure. Her favorite outing is going to Home Depot and spending her time in the ceiling fan aisle which is one of her absolute favorite items since birth. A day with Emery is never boring. From her eclectic music taste ranging all the way from “Carry On My Wayward Son” by Kansas, The Piano Guys, to Wheels on the Bus, she will keep you on your toes and provide you with loads of laughter. 

“The way she sparks joy even in the toughest circumstances is one of the many things her family adores about her.”

Emery was born with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome, a rare genetic syndrome that affects every process and organ system in the body in different ways, Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum, which means the bridge between the right and left side of the brain is missing, chiari type one, a malformation of the skull that caused the brain to protrude down into the brain stem, severe photophobia, and a tethered spinal cord. All of these diagnoses branch off into more diagnoses that make her a very complex and rare little girl. Their day to day life is filled with medicines, therapies, appointments, medical trips to Cincinnati, and facing the unknown head on. But their days are also filled with deep abounding joy, laughs, family adventures, and fierce love. So many people tell them that Emery is so lucky to have them as parents but they always say that they are the lucky ones to be given such a gift as the privilege to love her.

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Photography by Donna Hagin

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Amanda, Caleb & Isaac

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

  • 19, 10 & 10 Years Old

  • Amanda: Spina Bifida

    Caleb: Autism, congenital CMV, hearing & vision loss, sensory issues

    Isaac: Pallister Killian Syndrome 

Amanda, Caleb & Isaac come from a family of eight! Sunshine on a Ranney Day’s plans to create an accessible bathroom and therapy room for them will impact all three in different and wonderful ways.

Amanda is 19 years old and was born in China. She was born with spina bifida which causes her to be paralyzed from the waist down. She has been with her family since she was 13 years old and is such a joy! She uses a wheelchair and other medical equipment and has had many major surgeries since she’s been home. Amanda loves reading, anime, art and is very talented with drawing. She is also very excited to start her first job soon. A handicap accessible bathroom will be such a blessing to her!

“Sunshine on a Ranney Day’s plans to create an accessible bathroom and therapy room for them will impact all three in different and wonderful ways.“

Caleb is 10 years old and was born with congenital CMV and calcifications on his brain. He was adopted at 4 weeks old and he is such a cutie pie. He has severe autism and loves to quote books, movies and especially nursery rhymes. Singing, swinging and swimming are his very favorite activities. Everyone who meets Caleb falls in love with him. He is funny, sweet and silly. He will enjoy a new playroom/therapy room so very much.

Isaac is 10 and was born with Pallister Killian Syndrome which is a rare genetic disorder that affects the 12th chromosome. He was adopted at 5 months old when he was discharged from the NICU. He is blind, deaf and intellectually he is still their baby. He is an absolute JOY to his family. Isaac’s smile can melt a heart of stone! His laughter echoes through their home reminding his family that there is joy all around us if we just open the eyes of our hearts to see it! He loves swinging, lights, vibrating toys, and being held and tickled. He also utilizes a wheelchair and because of his size, an accessible shower is going to be the most amazing gift to him and to his parents. He will also love and enjoy the new therapy room! 

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Photography by Shana Darnell

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Lyra

Written by Clareece Cunningham on . Posted in Means & Carney Interiors, Meet the Kids.

  • 7 Years Old

  • Autism spectrum, sensory processing and speech disorders, global developmental delay

Lyra is an incredible 7 year old kid. She has never met a stranger because everyone is a friend and she cares deeply for them. She loves all things glitter, unicorn, and pink. She is a kind, inclusive, and thoughtful kiddo that brightens the world of everyone she knows. She loves to craft and make things like cards, bracelets, pictures, and trinkets for all of her friends. Lyra lives to help especially in the kitchen and caring for the chickens. Her family adores her and she is her little brother’s hero. 

“She has never met a stranger because everyone is a friend…”

Her family learned that Lyra is autistic when she was two and a half years old at the Marcus center and she has grown so much since then. She receives support from services at McKenna farms and Focus on Function. On top of that, she gets to learn at her own pace and in her preferred learning styles at home. Sunshine on a Ranney Day is excited at the opportunity to transform her basement room into a safe learning/therapy room! Her favorite place to be is outside – swings, picking flowers, riding her scooter, horseback riding at McKenna, and anything with water!

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Photography by Niki Murphy

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Ciaran & Geordan

Written by Clareece Cunningham on . Posted in Meet the Kids.

  • 19 & 16 Years Old

  • Lebers Congenital Amaurosos, Severely Autistic, Immune System Disorder, Tic Disorder

Ciaran and Geordan were both born with major disabilities. 19 year old Ciaran is totally blind and significantly autistic. On top of that, he has a tic disorder (tourette syndrome) and an immune system disorder. He has no sense of safety and will wake up throughout the night and bang on walls, doors, windows, and even his bed – waking up his brother. 

Geordan is 16 and was also born blind. He was also diagnosed with pretty severe non-verbal autism. Geordan also has no concept of safety, making the level of care required for the two boys quite extensive. With their mom’s recent cancer diagnosis, both parents work tirelessly to care for the boys and give them the fullest life they can.

“They are both passionate about music and have an acute sense of hearing for pitch and tone due to their blindness.“

Ciaran and Geordan are highly anxious and noise sensitive, so therapy items like swings, trampolines and instruments are very calming to them. They are both passionate about music and have an acute sense of hearing for pitch and tone due to their blindness. Both boys are unique and talented in their own ways, something that is so evident in their passions and skills! The space that Sunshine on a Ranney Day is providing for them will be life-changing in regards to their independence and individual needs.

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Photography by Niki Murphy Photography

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Levi

Written by Clareece Cunningham on . 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! 

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Photography by Birchfield Photography

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Ellie

Written by Joe Lane on . Posted in Meet the Kids.

  • 5 Years Old

  • Down Syndrome, Congenital Heart Defect

Ellie is a sweet and funny five-year-old with an infectious smile. Ellie was born with Down Syndrome and a heart defect. She had her first open heart surgery at four-months-old and due to medical complications, spent almost five months in the hospital. During our time at CHOA Egleston, we stayed in the newly renovated parent sleep wing provided by Sunshine on a Ranney Day. We spent some of Ellie’s sickest nights there. The rooms were charming and cheerful and allowed us to truly rest and be ready to take care of Ellie in the mornings.

By the time she was two-and-a-half years old, Ellie endured five open-heart surgeries. She has a mechanical heart valve which has significantly improved her heart function. As she gets older, she will outgrow her valve and need additional open-heart surgeries. She has spent nearly 250 days in the hospital and is the bravest girl we know.

Ellie attends many therapies to help her achieve independence and gain strength. Even though it often takes her longer to acquire skills others take for granted, she works hard and never gives up. She is learning how to stand and walk and is getting very close to achieving these milestones.

“Even though it often takes her longer to acquire skills others take for granted, she works hard and never gives up.”

Ellie enjoys spending time with her family. She loves listening to music, especially Baby Shark, and gives the tightest, biggest hugs. Ellie’s favorite person in the world is her 8-year-old sister, Evelyn. Evelyn is Ellie’s biggest cheerleader. Evelyn loves to set up learning stations for Ellie, reads books to her, and encourages her to walk. They enjoy having sleepovers and playing together.

We are so excited for Ellie to get a home makeover therapy room! Having access to this
equipment in our home will help Ellie practice and get stronger so that she can become more independent. We believe Ellie has great potential to achieve her dreams and this is just the beginning for her. Thank you, Sunshine on a Ranney Day for making this possible.

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Photography by Marcelino Aguilar Photography

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Carson

Written by Garrett Nantz on . Posted in Artisan Design Studio, Meet the Kids.

  • 9 Years Old

  • Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder

As a fan of SpongeBob, sea creatures, aquatic life, Shark Week, and his multiple pets, Carson is like most nine-year-old boys. His favorite things to do are swinging, jumping, and climbing. Carson also likes small places, like a tent or under the bed, to hide if he’s having a bad day. Like all mothers and as a single mother of two, Carson’s mother is concerned with balancing activity and safety.  Having been diagnosed with sensory processing disorder, SPD at age three, and recently diagnosed with Autism, Carson is a sensory seeker who likes to move all of the time. He has received occupational therapy for SPD and worked on fine motor skills. They also worked with the vestibular system for some motor functions of the head and posture, and the proprioceptive senses to help combine sensory information from the inner ear to receptors in the muscles and the joint-supporting ligaments for stance.

Having been diagnosed with sensory processing disorder, SPD at age three, and recently diagnosed with Autism, Carson is a sensory seeker who likes to move all of the time.

As Carson gets older, it will be even more important to have a safe space of his own, including appropriate sensory stimulation.  A custom sensory room from Sunshine on a Ranney Day will give Carson what he needs to be and grow happier and healthier. Together with his family, he will better enjoy their three cats, bearded dragon, and beta fish and will have spent some energy so he can sit down and watch Shark Week like other kids his age.

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Photography by Pear Tree Photography

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Priscilla

Written by Garrett Nantz on . Posted in Meet the Kids.

  • 4 Years Old

  • Traumatic Brain Injury

This precious little peach is Priscilla. We are thrilled to announce that Sunshine on a Ranney Day is going to give her a dream room makeover as bright and beautiful as she is!

Priscilla may be little, but she has big plans with a bright future ahead of her. She has an extensive medical history which includes traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, hearing loss, congenital hydrocephalus and cortical visual impairment. She is non-ambulatory, nonverbal and is fed through a g-tube. She is currently receiving occupational, physical and speech-language therapies, is learning sign language and has begun to crawl. She loves to explore her environment with her hands and learns about objects through stereognosis, which is the ability to perceive and recognize objects in the absence of visual and auditory information by using tactile information to provide cues from the texture, size, spatial properties and temperature of it. Through the process of stereognosis, she manipulates and mouths toys to learn all about them and receive sensory input that helps her grow.

Her only wish is to spend more time with her friends and Sunshine on a Ranney Day is going to grant it!

Priscilla lives with her foster family, where she is deeply loved and flourishing. The home is not equipped to meet her needs as she develops and requires extensive care. Sunshine on A Ranney Day is designing a specialized therapeutic bedroom equipped with a calming sensory swing, soft therapeutic toys, contrasting bold colors and a variety of specifically designed lights which is intended to stimulate her senses and improve learning through her environment. We will also provide her with a fully accessible bathroom and a handicap ramp that will make transportation with a wheelchair easier.
This room tailored specifically for Priscilla and is constructed with learning and achieving developmental milestones in mind. It will be an oasis fit for a princess, where she can feel safe, loved and thrive. We hope to bring Priscilla a whole lot of sunshine and smiles that will brighten her days and help her unlock her ultimate potential.
Please join us as we present the completed design!

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Photography by Niki Murphy Photography

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Stetson

Written by Garrett Nantz on . Posted in Meet the Kids.

  • 6 Years Old

  • Angelman Syndrome

It is ironic that “happy” is a symptom of Angelman Syndrome, a rare neurogenetic disorder that causes global developmental delays, lack of speech, and seizures. Stetson, age six, was extremely happy and a “good” baby. Born at 8lbs. 6 oz. and acting so full of life, it was surprising at ten months to notice developmental delays. At 12 months, Stetson began PT and OT once a week at home. Stetson was so social, engaging, and happy, and his parents were told he would probably ‘catch up’ quickly. At 16 months, Stetson had his first of many seizures and was given a seizure disorder diagnosis. Over the next six weeks, Stetson had multiple seizures, as the family awaited genetic testing, which confirmed his Angelman Syndrome diagnosis.

It is ironic that “happy” is a symptom of Angelman Syndrome, a rare neurogenetic disorder that causes global developmental delays, lack of speech, and seizures.

Stetson’s mom stopped working outside the home to care for him. They have spent the last four years traveling to specialists all over the east coast and even participating in brain studies to help learn more about this rare disease. Stetson participates in speech therapy twice a week, hippo-therapy, and swim lessons as well as going to kindergarten, where he also receives additional PT, OT, and speech therapy.
Children with AS tend to be very sensory seeking and have an oral fixation, but overall, they are happy kids. Stetson loves to wander, climb, and play with whatever he can get his hands on. He can be very impulsive and is not always safe while exploring. He has to be watched non-stop, even in his own home, to make sure he is safe. With the increasing demands of a new baby brother, a sensory/therapy room will allow Stetson to explore and play safely while attention is shared between two children. It will also provide him with the opportunity to improve his motor skills at home while playing and offer some of the independence six-year-old boys crave, things that are important for his development. Stetson’s parents will have peace of mind knowing he is both safe and getting the proper stimulation.
The past five years have been replete with travel, testing, and treatment. With an in-home sensory/therapy room, Stetson’s whole family will benefit from more routine day-to-day life at home.

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Photography by Pear Tree Photography

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