Caydence's Steps Toward Walking Again
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Caydence Smith is one of the most determined 16 year-olds you could meet. 2020 was a year of challenges for her, and 2021 is not starting off much better. Caydence struggled with virtual education last school year, and she has long desired to join the military after graduation. In August, she decided to join the Michigan Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA) in order to complete her high school education, gain some job skills, and get a taste of what military life is like. Not only did she accomplish all of those things, she developed a lot of determination and grit. Caydence is very close with her family, and due to COVID there were no family visits during her time at MYCA. It was very hard for her to be away from her family and friends, but she was determined to accomplish graduation from MYCA. As the COVID positivity rate climbed, the students in MYCA were sent home to be with family and the program ended early. Caydence's heart was broken when her grandfather passed away from COVID the day before she returned home.
Caydence worked hard to graduate and had plans to start at Job Challenge program in Grand Rapids next week. Unfortunately, on January 2, the Smith family was heading north on US-131 and hit an icy/slushy patch. Their van went off the highway and rolled down an embankment several times. Caydence was partially ejected from the vehicle and became pinned under the van. Fortunately, there was a small tree that was holding the van up enough to prevent crushing her completely. She suffered a broken sternum and fractured her pelvis and sacrum. It is anticipated that she will be able to walk again this year. By using her innate determination, strategies she learned to overcome challenges during MYCA, and relentless faith in Jesus Christ, Caydence is making progress toward walking again. She is currently in rehab at Mary Free Bed and her parents, Shay and Tiffany, have been by her side every day.
Tiffany recently started a new job and has not yet earned enough paid time off to cover her leave, and Shay's job doesn't provide enough paid leave time to cover his time off either. As you can see, the family has had their share of struggles during the past few months. It would be such a blessing to them if enough money can be raised to assist with the loss of income, down payment on the purchase of another vehicle, and help with the cost of meals, staying in Grand Rapids and/or driving to/from Grand Rapids several times weekly. Any amount helps, and if you are not able to give at this time, please share this story. Thank you!
Caydence worked hard to graduate and had plans to start at Job Challenge program in Grand Rapids next week. Unfortunately, on January 2, the Smith family was heading north on US-131 and hit an icy/slushy patch. Their van went off the highway and rolled down an embankment several times. Caydence was partially ejected from the vehicle and became pinned under the van. Fortunately, there was a small tree that was holding the van up enough to prevent crushing her completely. She suffered a broken sternum and fractured her pelvis and sacrum. It is anticipated that she will be able to walk again this year. By using her innate determination, strategies she learned to overcome challenges during MYCA, and relentless faith in Jesus Christ, Caydence is making progress toward walking again. She is currently in rehab at Mary Free Bed and her parents, Shay and Tiffany, have been by her side every day.
Tiffany recently started a new job and has not yet earned enough paid time off to cover her leave, and Shay's job doesn't provide enough paid leave time to cover his time off either. As you can see, the family has had their share of struggles during the past few months. It would be such a blessing to them if enough money can be raised to assist with the loss of income, down payment on the purchase of another vehicle, and help with the cost of meals, staying in Grand Rapids and/or driving to/from Grand Rapids several times weekly. Any amount helps, and if you are not able to give at this time, please share this story. Thank you!
Co-organizers (2)
Deb Rowe
Organizer
Battle Creek, MI
Tiffany Gillett Smith
Beneficiary
Jeremy Smith
Co-organizer