Shelby's Adventures
By: Tiffany Alaniz
Updated: November 15, 2012
CARTHAGE, MO.---- Shelby Shores is ready for another day of 5th grade. She may look like any other 10 year old, but Shelby suffers from Global Muscle Weakness, a form of Muscular Dystrophy. Her mother and grandmother also have the disorder, but Shelby's case is more severe. Everyday tasks are difficult for her.
"She has to have assistance now with taking a shower, she can get her arms up to wash her hair but she can't keep them up there because her arms, she says they feel like jello," states Claire Shores, Mother.
"She has to have assistance now with taking a shower, she can get her arms up to wash her hair but she can't keep them up there because her arms, she says they feel like jello," states Claire Shores, Mother.
This year school has been a different experience for Shelby. She's using a scooter for the first time at Carthage Middle School. Every morning, Mrs. Jones meets her to help. While things are rolling smoothly, the transition to get ready took months of planning between the Shores and the school district.
"We knew that it was going to have to take a team to make a difference for Shelby and that's sincerely what we have," states Robin Jones, Principal, Carthage Middle School.
For Claire, it's a mother's mission to let her child thrive.
"I've had a lot of crying nights trying to think, myself and my husband, how are we going to do this, how are we going to let her be as normal as possible," states Claire.
A team of people help Shelby throughout the school day with kindness and care.
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"She's very very welcomed here and very loved," states Jones.
"Makes me feel special," states Shelby.
Shelby says having her scooter has made a big difference in being able to have the energy to last all day.
Don't have to walk as much," states Shelby.
School leaders work with the Shores to ensure Shelby's success.
"We want to work with Shelby, we want to offer her the support she needs, but at the same time we want to instill within her the independence that she also so dearly needs," states Jones.
Despite her health challenges, Shelby's enjoying 5th grade with her friends and the help of her scooter.
"Makes it easier," states Shelby.
"To have the school district be the angel they've been, it's wonderful. We couldn't have done this without them," states Claire.
Shelby's parents meet monthly with school district leaders to assess her progress and make sure her needs are being met.
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