Hanover Rehab Centers Names 1st Kids Wish Network "Hero of the Month"

January 21, 2010 -
Hanover Hospital Rehab Centers’ Pediatric Therapy Department proudly participates with the Kids Wish Network™ “Hero of the Month” program.  The program was designed to help little heroes who have had to face some of life’s unfortunate experiences.  These children do not have life-threatening illnesses but have faced some very sad or extraordinary circumstances that they have managed to overcome through efforts that can only be described as “heroic.” 

Eight-year-old Mekayla Sheely of Hanover was nominated as Hanover Hospital’s first “Hero of the Month,” and was presented with a certificate, medal, t-shirt, Kidz Klub membership and Wal-Mart gift card.  Born with cerebral palsy, Mekayla receives therapy services which help her to be as functional as possible, and enable her to have fun, according to Pam Krise, her occupational therapist.  As their caregivers, the pediatric therapists of Hanover Rehab Centers are the first and most likely to become aware of these often-tragic circumstances.  They are best suited to nominate these little warriors for a special award that is sure to bring a glimmer of much-needed hope, and make a positive difference in the lives of these special children.

“Mekayla was nominated for her incredible attitude and her remarkable abilities in mastering her Echo computer communication device,” said Krise.  “She is a whiz on that computer.”  Adept at navigating through the various menus and pathways on her computer, Mekayla makes the computer “talk” for her, so she can “answer” questions and express herself.  Because she can’t walk or talk, Mekayla is completely reliant on her computer and motorized wheelchair to move, sit and interact. 

The daughter of Abby Sheely, Mekayla is a third grade student at Washington Elementary School, where she excels in her studies and serves as an inspiration to her friends and teachers.  “She has such a positive attitude,” Krise stated. 

Kids Wish Network™ is a nationally recognized charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children.  Kids Wish Network assists children and their families through key programs such as “Hero of the Month.”

For information about Kids Wish Network’s “Hero of the Month” program or services offered by Hanover Rehab Centers Pediatric Therapy, please call Bethanie Freeman, at: (717) 633-8866.