The Story
Junailiz’s life began with great challenges. She was born at just 29 weeks in Puerto Rico after her mother fled domestic violence. From the start, Junailiz faced a tough medical journey, including a Type III stroke and hydrocephalus. She will need intensive care for life.
In her first years, Junailiz underwent several cranial surgeries due to infections. In 2017, Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico and cut off the power Junailiz needed to survive. After the storm, she and her mother were evacuated to Atlanta, where Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) became vital for her care.
Today, Junailiz still needs extensive medical care. Her mother, who has lupus and fibromyalgia, is her primary caregiver. She manages Junailiz’s daily care and watches over two younger children. Since her husband works long hours away, most caregiving falls to her. As Junailiz and her mother face ongoing health issues, daily tasks are getting harder. What was once manageable is now overwhelming.
This is where Sunshine on a Ranney Day, with support from Jackson Healthcare, is stepping in to help. SOARD is building a wheelchair-accessible bathroom with a zero-entry shower for the family. This will offer greater safety, dignity, and relief, improving Junailiz’s life and easing her mother’s burden.
