Caroline Cheevers, Mom of Justin, Tyler, and Hailey Cheevers, was thrilled when she found out that her son Tyler and their family had received a Make-A-Wish trip to New England. She was excited, but with all three of her children having special needs, she could not help but worry. Read why Mom was able to rest easy and the trip turned out to be a total success.
“When my older son Tyler was granted a Make A Wish trip to New England, Luke jumped at the chance to come with us….paid or not. He volunteered to come either way, as did our other fabulous day nurses, Veronica Thomas (Tyler’s nurse) and Kirby Stoloroski (Hailey’s nurse). They wanted to be part of this with them and see them experience so many of their ‘firsts’.”
“Tyler and his nurse Veronica have been together for 3 1/2 years and is “Aunty V” to Tyler! He adores her, and Veronica loves him right back! We knew Veronica from working with our older child who passed away 4 years ago. She came back to us when Tyler came home, and is an integral part of the family. She came along with us for Tyler’s trip without a second of hesitation, volunteer or paid, she was coming!! She and Tyler have an incredible bond, and it’s visible when the 2 are together. Veronica ensures Tyler’s high medical needs are cared for while meeting his strong desire for love and affection.
“The picture of Justin & his nurse Luke was taken while visiting Salem Massachusetts and walking through a 300+ year old cemetery. We noticed this guy dressed in Zombie attire by a large grave stone and initially thought it was a statue…it wasn’t! It was a 65 year-old gentleman who dresses up for photos with tourists. We took this picture, fully expecting a “not so sure” response from Justin, who actually thought this zombie was the funniest thing on the planet at that moment. Thankfully, Luke had a good handle on Justin, who would have kicked his way out of Luke’s arms had he not. The harder Justin laughed, the more Luke (and all of us) laughed…even the zombie guy couldn’t keep a straight face! We had a great time!!”
Kirby is new to our family, having come in august when one of our regulars went on maternity leave and fits in so well with our family! She works with boy Tyler and Hailey, and while on this trip, she was Hailey’s day nurse. Hailey requires close attention to detail with her medical needs, and Kirby has been tested, and passed. While Hailey is learning about herself, waking from a persistent vegetative state, Kirby provides the support she needs and they both enjoyed touring Salem and the trip to Maine. I think Kirby even cried seeing the Nubble light house!!
The nurses helped us so much with all 3 kids, working well together and anticipating the kids’ needs. Because of them my husband and I were able to enjoy the trip with them and just have fun! The opportunity to work with these nurses and have them be so much more than “just” my kids’ nurses, but an extension of our family. The kids adore their nurses, and Luke, who has only been here 3 months, is Justin’s best buddy! They laugh and giggle together while I’m at work, and I know the kids are in great hands while mommy is away. Being away from them all day is tough on me, but these nurses make it a lot more bearable knowing they are well cared for and loved.” -Caroline Cheevers
We were honored to have Kristen Robinson, Vice President of Government Affairs, and Justin Hillger, Vice President of Therapy advocating for our medically fragile children at the press conference held by the Senate Finance Committee on September 15.
