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Misty
Misty was born in 1978. She was diagnosed as a teenager with Friedreich's Ataxia.
Misty moved into Kate's Home in August of 2008. Prior to moving to Lawrenceville,
Misty had live with her mom for several years and had become a shut-in. As with
most young disabled adults who live with their parents, they do not have the social
interaction needed and they do not participate in community activities. Misty is
also affected by Type 2 Diabetes. Being confined to a wheelchair now for several
years, Misty did not ability to be active in the community without the assistance of
others.
Misty is now staying very busy with volunteer efforts and being active in church
activities. Three to four times a week, Misty volunteers at the First United Methodist
Church of Lawrenceville in their Day Care Program. Misty enjoys being around young
children. Not only is Misty enjoying her volunteer efforts but the children light up
with excitement when Misty is with them. The children are learning about her disabilities
and they are not afraid of her being in a wheel chair. They are also learning at a young
age that Misty is an individual and has feelings and is capable of many things even though
she can no longer walk. Misty, also, feels needed and has a feeling of accomplishment.
By Misty volunteering, she has grown in may ways. Misty is learning that even though she
has a few physical challenges, she has other gifts which can be a blessing to others.
She is greeted by her day care children at other church activities.... Misty has bonded
with the other day care leaders and with other members of the church as well as with the
day care children. Misty attends other church functions and Sunday School on a weekly basis.
Misty is known by many people within the church. She is becoming such an inspiration to
others.
Since Misty has moved into Kate's Home, she has had opportunities to expand her activities.
Some of Misty's caregivers / friends recently took Misty to a Twilight Convention in
Charlotte, NC. (April 30, 2010) Misty had her picture taken with Peter Facinelli. (aka:
Dr. Carlisle Cullen of the Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse movies and Dr. Coop on Nurse Jackie)
Misty had the time of her life. With Misty being in the advance stages of Friedreich's Ataxia,
one should understand the level of fatigue which accompanies this horrible disease. Misty was
woken up around 5:30am on Friday, April 30 to get ready for her trip to Charlotte. Misty was
only told the night before that she needed to go to bed early because she would be getting up
early the next day because of a surprise event. Misty had no idea where she was going.
Misty's friends had so much fun planning this event. So when Misty was placed in the car,
she was still unaware of where she was going. Misty did not find out that the event was to
include 3 friends until 7am Friday morning. For the first hour of the trip, Misty was asked
if she had any idea where she was going? She replied, "No, my mom will not tell me anything.
Jenny (Misty's housemate) did not have any information to share. " So the friends were having
so much fun with this surprise. So then Misty was asked, "If you could have anything, what
would you wish for?" Misty smiled and responded in her choppy excited voice, "I would want to
meet Robert Pattinson." Misty's friends were nearly in tears. The friends knew how much Misty
really enjoyed the Twilight Books Series. The friends knew she would be overwhelmed with her
surprise. Once we got to Charlotte and pulled into the Marriott parking lot, we parked near a
car with window paint stating, "Team Jasper" and several other comments supporting Jasper.
Misty still had no clue. The friends thought the car would have given the surprise away. But
Misty was still in the dark. The friends laughed so hard. So Misty was then given her Twilight
Convention ticket. Misty was so enthusiastic that she was speechless. Misty's tried to yell
with excitement but there was no sound coming from her mouth. Misty was then informed that
she would be meeting Peter Facinelli and Michael Welsh would be making an appearance as well.
Misty did get her picture taken with Peter Facinelli at the convention. The day was a long
exciting day. Misty did not get home until 3:30am Saturday morning. Misty is still excite
about her Charlotte trip. Misty probably feels that she was dreaming the entire day. Misty
was in disbelief that she was at the Twilight Convention even through she was there. We hope
that Misty will one day have the opportunity to meet Robert Pattinson. Misty deserves to have
as much happiness as possible. Even though, Robert Pattinson was not at the convention, Misty
did enjoy her time with Peter Facinelli during the photo op session. Peter was very kind to
Misty. Peter will always have Misty and her friends as a fan. Michael Welsh was very
entertaining at the convention during the Karaoke event at the convention. This was a
great event which will always be remembered.
Misty is excited about an up coming cruise in October which she will be participating in with
her friends through the Wishes 4 Me Foundation.
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To find out how you can be more involved, please, contact admin@wishes4me.org.
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