–FROM LOGAN COUNTY BOARD OF DD REPORTS
Through hard work and determination, Emily Jenkins is making her magical dreams come true.
Emily is an individual served by the Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Like many young ladies, her dream was to visit a castle and be a princess. However, her life-long, daily struggle with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome leaves her with many obstacles to overcome.
Emily’s mother and provider, Kim Jenkins, explained that her daughter had developmental delays identified in early childhood and daily seizures since the age of 8. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is a severe epilepsy with multiple types of seizures and is resistant to drug therapies. It also presents intellectual disability, difficult behaviors, lack of impulse control, headaches, and hormonal imbalance.
“Often times the world goes on without her, while her body, mind and soul demand recuperation, retreat, even medicinal rescue. We do, in fact have a seizure of some sort every day, with debilitating clusters several times a month,” Kim said.
With Kim’s help, Emily has started a small business baking and selling gourmet dog treats. She hoped to make enough money to visit the Kentucky Castle near Lexington for Christmas.
Logan County Board of DD Service and Support Administrator Nikki James heard of Emily’s mission and stepped in to help. James has a part-time job selling pallets of items she purchases from stores and she has developed quite a following on social media. James reached out to advertise Emily’s dog treat business online and as a result, sales surged.
“I knew of so many dog lovers in my group that would love these dog treats as much as my dog did,” she said. “Within a few hours, Emily had over 300 orders of dog treats. They sold so quickly that we had to create a waiting list so that Emily didn’t feel overwhelmed.”
With James’ help, Emily earned enough money to finance her princess dream.
On the day of her castle trip earlier this month, Kim reports Emily suffered three types of seizures, including a cluster which required a sedation rescue dose to negate non-stop status and a hospitalization. Still, Emily was determined to enjoy the day.
Kim relayed this conversation: “Whose castle is this, mom?” Emily asked.
“Well, it’s Kentucky Castle and I guess lots of princesses stay here, right?” her mother responded.
“Well, I guess I am dreaming and I am a princess!” Emily exclaimed.
Emily was treated to a new princess dress, a tour of the castle filled with Christmas decorations and an overnight stay.
Not only did her dream come true, but now Emily has a fan base for her business with repeat customers.
“She was even recognized at a local dentist office and was asked, ‘Hey, aren’t you that girl who makes those adorable doggie treat bags?’” James said.
Kim knows this business is a big step for her daughter. But she also realizes because of Emily’s condition, they must take it day by day.
“We pace, encourage, pace again, strive, and pace again so that we can help Emily to make a mark on the world, strategically choosing when to be active and when to retreat,” Kim explained,.”We celebrate each season of life as a gift and challenge, with the hope that she can continue to grow.”