Meet Cecelia

Meet 16-year-old Cecelia. Cecelia became ill in 2023. The illness caused catastrophic weakening in her legs. After an injury several months, her arms began to lose function. Cecelia is unable to care for herself without 100% assistance. Her family has worked so hard to find her the care that she needs. This has meant travel, travel, travel. Currently, the Cooney family is in the St Petersburg area, receiving an occupational therapy service found only there. While staying at the Ronald McDonald house for weeks on end, Mom and little sister, try to stay positive. They go and see the water, absorbing the beauty. They go to the Pinellas County Animal Services, and volunteer their time, walking the dogs. Spirits remain high, and this family has dedicated themselves to getting the best possible treatment for Cecelia.

Cecelia herself is an interesting and intelligent young woman. She loves to read, especially about Ocean Science. Her love of animals is apparent in everything. Her favorite book, any animal book. When asked what she wanted you to know about her she said quickly and confidently, “I like little green tree frogs.” Cecelia also finds great comfort in her faith. The community and sense of peace it offers her is an undeniable source of peace for both she and her family. She is a caring, empathetic young woman, who’s strength and resilience shine through.

Cecelia was recently in need of a manual wheelchair. Her current chair was so supportive that she had begun to lose muscle tone and trunk control using it. A less supportive chair was needed to allow her to rebuild that strength. We had recently had a chair donated by Adonica Burdon, and it was a perfect fit for Cecelia. Since receiving the chair, she has been working with her Occupational Therapists to regain enough trunk control to sit in the chair unassisted. There is hope that with continued therapy and strength building, Cecelia will be able to regain movement in her arms and legs. With her fighting spirit, we have no doubt she will accomplish that! Thank you, Adonica, for your donation. Thank you, Mom, for your tireless dedication. Thank you, Cecelia, for letting us be a part of your journey. We are all pulling for you!