Sisters, Hannah and Madison have a nameless genetic syndrome caused by an unbalanced translocation of the number 7 and number 20 chromosomes. This genetic syndrome causes physical, cognitive, and learning disabilities. Hannah is 17 and Madison is 14. Their mother Shanna said, “The syndrome they have causes them to behave like they are 3 or younger.”
The sisters have overcome a lot despite their medical challenges. Hannah is very headstrong and has learned to do so much through the years. She has learned to walk and even ride a tricycle. “For someone to look at her they would believe it’s not possible,” said Shanna. Madison is very easy going and tends to take things in stride and endure whatever she has to. “Having the right people in our lives, including the Rainbows’ staff, has helped us get through a lot,” Shanna said.
Hannah and Madison received Rainbows’ services for seven years before moving to Oklahoma for five years. The girls’ family moved back to Kansas at the beginning of 2015 and they receive Targeted Case Management and in home and center based respite care. They also attend Camp Woodchuck during the summer months. Oklahoma didn’t offer the family the same services that Rainbows’ had. The girls were on a waiting list to receive services for 6 years there. “The biggest reason we moved back to Kansas was for family support and the services Rainbows offers,” said Shanna. “The girls needed it and so did our family.”
Rainbows’ Targeted Case Manager, Melissa, was able to get the family the needed waiver for respite care services very quickly when Hannah and Madison returned. “Our family is so thankful for Melissa’s persistence, because the respite care services are a huge relief,” Shanna said. Camp Woodchuck has also greatly impacted the girls and their mom. “The camp staff is very consistent and helpful for the girls, which allows me time to run errands and spend time with our two younger children during the summer,” said Shanna.
Hannah and Madison’s mom is comforted in knowing that she never has to worry when her daughters are in the care of the Rainbows’ staff. “It is hard to find a natural acceptance just anywhere,” Shanna said. “Rainbows’ is full of a bunch of special people that understand and they don’t just treat my girls like a job.”
