Shayla B

Meet Shayla! Shayla is an amazing mother of two and shares an unbreakable bond with her step-sister and nominator, Kenzie. Together, they've shared life's ups and downs, creating a unique connection that only deepened their appreciation for each other. Shayla's awesomeness goes even further as she's been a Special Education Paraprofessional in Stanton, TX, for the past two and a half years. She's touched students' lives across the spectrum, from those needing daily assistance to those facing extreme behavioral challenges. Shayla's students admire her greatly, and she's formed special bonds with many of them, some even referring to her as "mom." 

 

After the Consuela team selected Shayla for the INATB Program, Shayla was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome. She spent a total of 106 days in two different hospitals and a physical therapy rehabilitation facility, relying on a ventilator and trach for the majority of that time. She was released from the rehabilitation facility at the end of March but still unable to walk without the assistance of a walker. She was also unable to do other simple tasks without help from family members due to poor dexterity and strength in her hands. Over the next two months, she persevered through outpatient physical and occupational therapy to build back her strength. 

 

We are happy to report that as of the end of May, Shayla has returned home and is living completely on her own! She hasn't required a walker for some time now and can do all her day-to-day tasks independently. Kenzie shared, "As if she wasn't already an inspiration before this, seeing her fight through this illness and still remain positive and grateful for life is one of the most joyous things I've ever seen. It's truly, truly awe-inspiring!"

 

Shayla's journey reminds us that no matter what life throws our way, we can rise above it with strength and grace. Thank you, Shayla, for being such an incredible inspiration to us all. You truly Make Today (and every day) Ridiculously Awesome!