Champion of the Month: Shay
Likes: Blue’s Clues, cuddles and kisses, having her hand held at all times, and being sung to.
Dislikes: Getting her hair done, going to bed with her TV off, and wearing her glasses.
Hospitalizations: Shay has had multiple surgeries since experiencing a traumatic brain injury at age 3.
Therapies received: Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies.
Sixteen-year-old Shay is described by her mom, Quinika, as “a social butterfly who loves being around people.” Shay enjoys connecting with others and letting people know what she wants. For example, during family outings, she’ll frequently reach out for people around her to hold their hand – and sometimes playfully grabs things off the shelves in the store. Shay also loves listening to music by Alicia Keys, going to school and riding the school bus, and playing with toys she can activate on her own.
Shay is also quite clear about what she doesn’t want!
“She is very feisty when she needs to be and has a lot of spunk,” shares her mom. “When getting picked up for bath time, Shay fights the whole way. She has a way of letting you know when she doesn’t want something done!”
One of Shay’s absolute favorite activities is playing with and spending time with her twin brother, Daveon, and her older brother, Terquan. “They adore her,” shares Quinika, “And she has them both wrapped around her fingers.”
“Her connection with her twin brother is something I’ve never seen before. He can just lay next to her, and she just rubs his head and watches him pick her up when she needs him. It’s so amazing to watch,” says Quinika. “The level of care that both of her brothers have for her is amazing!”
While the global pandemic has interrupted so many plans and social outings for everyone, Shay and her family are grateful that Better2gether has been able to offer outdoor and virtual experiences that promote connections and support. Shay and her family have enjoyed a Better2gether sponsored outing at a park, the holiday party (including a drive-by Santa and a gift exchange), decorating cookies, and participating in music therapy. Shay also enjoyed her visit to a pumpkin patch, where she was able to do the hay ride, walk through the corn field, and pick pumpkins. “We loved just being around families that are just like us,” Quinika explains.
“For all of the things that she has been through on this journey, Shay is a fighter and always does it with a smile on her face even when she’s not feeling at her best,” shares Quinika. “We are thankful for the excellent team that she has at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond and Better2gether.”
