Haley Is My Hero

Haley's Heroes

"No kind action ever stops with itself. One kind action leads to another. Good example is followed. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves." ~Amelia Earhart

Haley's brothers

What "princess" would not be blessed with "superheroes" for brothers?? Twins were a definite surprise for our family. Bobby's reaction which you can see replayed on "America's Funniest Home Videos" quite often, said it all! We were like deer in the headlights. We thought it was a curse. How could a gracious God give us two little ones when we already had our hands full with uncontrolled seizures? Peyton and Parker arrived seven and a half weeks early when Haley was almost two and a half. When they were about six months old, I realized God did truly bless us with twins. It was a especially bad day for Haley and I was running back and forth in the house. I glanced at the boys and there they were entertaining each other. It was then I thanked God for the boys and I do every day. They are a wonderful help in keeping an eye on her when she wanders. If they go to a party of somewhere they are given a "trinket" they make sure they bring one home for Haley. Yesterday Peyton insisted on buying a dozen roses for Haley because he knows she loves flowers. This morning Parker helped her get dressed and get her coat on. They are wonderful with her and ready to defend her if someone makes fun of her disabilites. Thank you boys for just being the wonderful sweethearts that you are!

In January 2008 the Case Foundation hosted a contest called “America’s Giving Challenge. When our local paper, The Rappahannock Record, ran a front page story on Haley and the America's giving challenge, many in our area were inspired to help the IDEA League and our family. All of our community that gave monetarily to the Giving Challenge are heroes, but a few are very special "Heroes" to Haley!

The Marlin Maniac II now sports a picture of Haley

David Nova

David Nova has been a friend of Haley’s parents and was in their wedding in 1996. When David read the article about Haley, he decided to get very involved. He was very determined to help the IDEA League secure one of the $50,000 grants from the Case Foundation. We are positive that because of David’s dedication to the cause and connections in the fishing world, he inspired many to join in the giving. The IDEA League did secure one of the four $50,000 grants.

David is a part-time professional sports fisherman sponsored by Reggie Fountain & Fountain Boats. In March David surprised our family and touched our hearts deeply. On his own David contacted the IDEA League to get a copy of the logo and permission to put it on a new boat he was getting. Along with the IDEA League logo, David added the words, "raising awareness for" and a picture of Haley in the Outer Banks, NC. Beneath her picture is her name, "Haley". Words can not express the emotions I felt when I drove by the new vessel and saw a picture of Haley, her name, and the IDEA League logo. Tears filled my eyes and streamed down my face. I was amazed that someone would reach out to our family in the way David did. He wanted to bring awareness to this devastating syndrome and help Haley any way he could. His fishes numerous tournaments up and down the East coast. You may see Haley and the Marlin Maniac II on I-95 one day. David's generosity extends past the picture and logo, he now shares a portion of his winnings from American Striper Association Tournaments with the IDEA League. He is not only a hero to Haley and our family, but to ALL the children who suffer with Dravet syndrome.

George T.

George was also inspired by Haley’s article. He had been an acquaintance of the family for several years. Within hours of reading the article, George contacted me, Haley’s mom, and by the time we actually spoke, he had bought a domain name and proceeded to create the website www.helphaleysmith.org. He managed the site for us for almost a year and has since turned the reins over to us.

Others who are heroes for Haley

Dr. Barbara Kahler, Haley’s pediatrician, has been with us every step of the way on this journey. As providence would have it Dr. Kahler just happened to be in the emergency room when we arrive with Haley during her first prolonged seizure. She has been so supportive and integral in Haley’s care. Haley has always said since she could talk, “I want to be a doctor like Dr. Kahler”.

Dr. Jack Pellock, Haley’s neurologist, was the one who finally diagnosed Haley with Dravet syndrome. He is now playing an active role in bringing new medications to the forefront for Dravet syndrome.

Members of the White Stone Church of the Nazarene.

Our church congregation has prayed tirelessly for Haley. We appreciate your friendship and support. We love our extended church family and do not know what we would do without them!

Susan K.

In September of 2008 we received one of the greatest personal blessings in the form of a young lady who came to live in our community. She was definitely a Godsend to our family. She became Haley’s caregiver, but Haley will refer to her as, “my friend, Susie”. She is so good with Haley and brings the best crafts to do! She allows Haley's mom to have a little bit of time to be a mom to the twins and get something done. We are so thankful for all Susie has done. The relief she brings is priceless.

The Northern Neck Montessori School

We are so blessed to be able to have Haley in Montessori School. It is like Occupational Therapy all day. We do not know where we would be with out them. Her teachers, Ms. Suzanne, Ms. Sheila & Ms. Jessica are absolutely wonderful and patient with Haley.

"In all things give thanks...." I Thessalonians 5:18