We are so pleased to tell you the courageous story of a remarkable woman, Shirley Bailey.
The year 2018 was a challenging one for Shirley, she would constantly find herself tripping over her own feet. Unbothered by her fall, passing it off as silly clumsiness, it wasn’t until after a Carpel Tunnel surgery that she fell once again only to realize this time it may have been something more serious. After a few more health issues arose that year, Shirley was hospitalized. A short stint in the hospital passed only for another obstacle to show itself, Shirley had had an allergic reaction to her Morphine and had become extremely ill. At this point, she was sent to the Glenrose Rehab Hospital.
Shirley’s time at Glenrose was a positive time in her life. She was receiving therapy every day and working on her health and wellness. Shirley’s daughter, Teresa, relayed some information to the Glenrose staff that could really help her overcome some of the obstacles placed before her, Shirley was an artist and loved to paint. The caretakers were able to set up a painting station each day, they would open her paints when she could not and clean up the supplies when she was finished for the day. Shirley began to feel like herself again.
Her progress at Glenrose was slowing coming to a halt, as her muscles were no longer strengthening. Then, after a routine neurologist appointment came to the news: ALS. Shirley and her doctor cried together in the office after receiving the results, but the news would not break her spirit. The team at Glenrose showed astounding support and never forced her to use any machines she wasn’t comfortable or ready for. Each day she continued to paint for as long as her body would allow her. Painting gave Shirley the positivity and purpose she was looking for.
A heartwarming note, Teresa, now finishes the paintings that Shirley is unable to complete.
Shirley then moved to Capital Care Norwood, she had continued her passion and had even taken the time to teach another patient, how to paint. Shirley would like her paintings to go to her children, as well as possible auction items for the ALS Society to help aid in the research and care for other ALS affected families.