The level of care, day in and day out, for nine-year-old Chakyra Shea is nothing short of exceptional.
She is fed through a tube in her belly.
She requires considerable assistance to walk.
Getting the girl in and out of a car requires dexterous manoeuvres by mom.
Chakyra requires eight pills each day to minimize seizures, curb acid reflux and help with digestion.
Nasal spray and puffers are each manipulated twice daily for inhaling.
Yet Charlene Merriam of Howlan, P.E.I., does her best to take the loving, but quite challenging, role of raising Chakyra all in stride.
“She actually is fairly easy to look after,’’ says Merriam.
“I take what I get and I do it one day at a time.’’
Over time, it would seem, even the task of remarkable care can become routine.
That appears to be the case with Merriam, a single mother raising two girls: Alyx, 12, and Chakyra, who has global developmental delay.
Chakyra cannot speak.
Her vision is impaired.
Mobility is a chore.
For Merriam, finding ways for her family to enjoy life together is an ongoing pursuit.
She is always looking to include Chakyra in different activities, but that requires inventiveness and often expense.
Merriam is banking on an annual charitable event – the Harley and Delmar Currie Memorial Golf Tournament at Glen Afton Golf Club – to provide funds to help acquire adaptable equipment, like a special sled, to allow the family more inclusive activity with Chakyra.
QUICK FACTS: How to enter memorial golf event
“Oh I think it is a wonderful opportunity for Chakyra,’’ Merriam says of her girl, who loves school, water, music, going for drives and listening to mom read.
“It’s just a blessing really.’’
The level of care, day in and day out, for nine-year-old Chakyra Shea is nothing short of exceptional.
She is fed through a tube in her belly.
She requires considerable assistance to walk.
Getting the girl in and out of a car requires dexterous manoeuvres by mom.
Chakyra requires eight pills each day to minimize seizures, curb acid reflux and help with digestion.
Nasal spray and puffers are each manipulated twice daily for inhaling.
Yet Charlene Merriam of Howlan, P.E.I., does her best to take the loving, but quite challenging, role of raising Chakyra all in stride.
“She actually is fairly easy to look after,’’ says Merriam.
“I take what I get and I do it one day at a time.’’
Over time, it would seem, even the task of remarkable care can become routine.
That appears to be the case with Merriam, a single mother raising two girls: Alyx, 12, and Chakyra, who has global developmental delay.
Chakyra cannot speak.
Her vision is impaired.
Mobility is a chore.
For Merriam, finding ways for her family to enjoy life together is an ongoing pursuit.
She is always looking to include Chakyra in different activities, but that requires inventiveness and often expense.
Merriam is banking on an annual charitable event – the Harley and Delmar Currie Memorial Golf Tournament at Glen Afton Golf Club – to provide funds to help acquire adaptable equipment, like a special sled, to allow the family more inclusive activity with Chakyra.
QUICK FACTS: How to enter memorial golf event
“Oh I think it is a wonderful opportunity for Chakyra,’’ Merriam says of her girl, who loves school, water, music, going for drives and listening to mom read.
“It’s just a blessing really.’’
At a glance
- What: Harley & Delmar Currie Memorial Golf Tournament
- When: Sunday, Sept. 18, 9 a.m., with a shot-gun start at Glen Afton Golf Club.
- Format: Two-person team best ball.
- Purpose: To raise funds for the family of nine-year-old Chakyra Shea of Howlan, P.E.I., who has global developmental delay.
- To register, call 902-675-3000 or visit the pro shop.
