Superhero Kayleigh!
Meet Superhero Kayleigh! This is one tough cookie! She has experienced more in her five short years than most children, and she keeps on fighting forward. We are so pleased to be able to provide her with a room that makes her smile. This superhero escape has an explosion of colors and ALL of Kayleigh's favorite things. We are so pleased she was nominated for a Sweet Dream room makeover by the Exceptional Family Member Program - MCRD.
|
Kayleigh has complex partial epilepsy with intractable epilepsy, sleep apnea, and significant developmental delay due to the impact of her seizures on her brain.
On June 12, 2012 Kayleigh suffered her first grand mal seizure lasting around 50 minutes. It required two rounds of medications to get it under control. During her first seizure she coded and was brought back to life by her medical team. Her postictal state after this seizure was very lengthy and most of her skills regressed to that of a newborn. This history repeats more than anyone in her sweet and supportive family would like to repeat. Yes with every twist and turn in her complex medical history her parents stood strong and ensured their baby girl had everything she needed to stay strong. Kayleigh has intractable epilepsy. About one-third of people with epilepsy will eventually develop intractable epilepsy. This means that medicines do not work well, or at all, to control the seizures. Intractable epilepsy can have a big effect on your life. People with intractable epilepsy may have trouble at work or school. They may worry a lot about when their next seizure will come. They may also have injuries that result from their seizures. Kayleigh, at only five years of age, has all of this. In some cases, she loses her memory and can't recognize her family members or does not know where she is. Her parents advocate for Kayleigh every step of the way and leave no stone unturned when it comes to trying the latest treatments. Mom, Valerie, shared that Kayleigh's journey has definitely changed her and everyone in her life. Her wish is that the medical community could figure things out so her daughter and all parents of children with epilepsy don't have to watch pieces of their babies disappear and be forever changed. Epilepsy not only takes away Kayleigh's ability to enjoy her everyday fun things, but also because it takes away her ability to do basic things. We are so grateful to our team for shining a light on epilepsy and in the process helping Kayleigh get some happiness back in her life. Thank you to San Diego Family Magazine for donating toys for Kayleigh and her younger brother (ten months) and sisters, ages three and seven. Thank you to PaintGreen for painting this room a bright and cheery purple! The York Plum was the perfect shade to add that pop of color to soften the bright Marvel Superhero colors everywhere else! Thank you to TVIA for once again partnering with our organization to make dreams come true for children with disabilities in San Diego. And last but not least, thank you to Project Lead Julie B., Jason and Hunter for making this room come to life. From the design to the late night shopping trips and decoupage... we know you went above and beyond to provide the perfect place for Kayleigh to rest and relax. Thank you to our donors, The Rancho Santa Fe Women's Fund, and all of our local business sponsors for their contributions to help make our 74th room makeover possible! |
Thank you to Teen Volunteers in Action (TVIA) for helping us complete our 74th makeover for children with special needs in San Diego! We've said it before and we'll say it again - we adore working with this wonderful organization! We had a team of devoted teens and their supportive mothers helping us complete the transformation of Kayleigh's room!
Teen Volunteers in Action is an organization of young men who, together with their families, participate in structured programs of volunteerism, philanthropy and personal development. TVIA believe that through volunteer projects like Cecily's Closet, these young men will grow up to become strong community leaders. We had seven teens help with every aspect of the room – from building the furniture, to cleaning, painting, making beds, hanging art, decorating the dresser to be a Superhero success and interviewing the family. We are so grateful to be working with such fine young men. We are always impressed with their commitment to our organization and the focus and determination they show in executing our tasks! They are a hard-working bunch of teenagers and we are proud to call them our partners. Thank you for once again making such an impact on a family in our community of San Diego! We look forward to doing another project with TVIA soon! 
Thank you for supporting the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County
Your gift will help us to provide free programs and services to the more than 50,000 people in San Diego County affected by epilepsy. Your donation stays here in San Diego and is 100% tax deductible. Tax ID# 95-1981182. Donate Today! Together we can knock out Epilepsy! |
