April's Angels

Gabby is a 5 year old girl who was adopted after suffering child abuse at the hands of her birth parents. She has endured permanent brain damage, and has global developmental delays including speech and motion delays. As she grows, her adoptive parents are hoping to provide her the mental and physical stimulation to encourage as much development as possible. Her old room was essentially a large walk in closet attached to her parents’ bedroom. They knew she needs more space, so they wanted to convert their unused dining room space into her bedroom. The volunteer team from Leadership Raleigh designed a “sensory room” with the help of contacts from a local elementary school and a muralist. A wall and environment were designed that will help Gabby learn and develop her skills. In addition, the group acquired a bed that will keep Gabby safe (she tends to roll out of bed, so her old mattress was on the floor), but is high enough so her caregivers can lift her out of bed without injuring themselves by having to bend too low. Finally, the room is everything Gabby desires! She loves green and frogs and monkeys, so they are hopping around her rainforest room. The space will now meet Gabby’s needs, encourage her development, and make life easier for those who care for her around the clock. Every day, Gabby and her family will feel the effects of this community that continues its support of April’s Angels’ work.