Hello we the parents Sam Bruce & Salina James would like to start of by introducing our sweet beautiful Shayla Ruby Bruce. Shayla is 4 years old, soon to be turning 5. She is diagnosed with Epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and Cerebral Palsy Vision Impairment. Shayla was born a happy and healthy baby until she got her sudden injury at the age of 9 months old. She spent 5 weeks at UNMH PICU, making a full recovery and being able to come home.

As most of you know, Shayla has suffered with seizures that have now become uncontrollable, at least 20-40 seizures a day. We often see multiple medical teams, have some hospital stays, and attend physical, speech, and occupational therapy, EEG, MRI, to name a few. A lot of people have prayed and watched her journey this far. She is currently on 3 different seizure medications which aren't working on her like they should be. Shayla requires constant care (watched by her father) and wears a head helmet 24/7 due to her sudden and random head drop seizures. On a regular day, Shayla often seeks care with her neurologist every 3 to 6 months or as needed in between.

During her most recent visit with Neurology, she was referred to a neurosurgeon who then decided it would be best for her to get a surgical procedure due to the amount of uncontrolled seizures she is having. My husband and I didn't have to think twice or question our options, so we both agreed the best thing to do would be to say YES to surgery. Shayla has suffered enough and all we want is for her to live her best life, be interactive with her age group, and to start her first year in school with a little less assistance. With only less than a month away, this has all come too fast and that is where the fundraiser comes in play. I, the mother, will be out of work for several weeks and I will be responsible for lodging, dining, transportation, and at least a month of housing expenses. I currently took FMLA back in October 2024, therefore I don't qualify much for paid leave or any FMLA assistance. The Craniotomy surgery recovery, to an open skull, typically takes 6 to 8 weeks heal process with a 4 to 7 lengthy hospital stay. Thank you for taking the time to read. Any help is appreciated and I promise it won't go unnoticed! Thanks again from the family of Shayla Ruby Bruce.