SHS High School Sisters Help Bring Awareness to Others About Special Needs Children Article by Patty Hutchens | Photos by The Valley Studio
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hen Bailey Scrimsher addressed those gathered for SHS’s girls soccer on senior night, she spoke about the biggest inspiration in her life - her little brother Bradey.
Bradey, 10 years old, is a special needs child. Notwithstanding visits to specialists, including trips to the Mayo Clinic, the medical community has been unable to diagnose Bradey’s disorder. Their mother Tamara says that Bradey is not autistic but does exhibit some autistic tendencies.
that requires long hours and the girls, only 10 and 12 at the time, stepped up and helped with the household chores and attending to Bradey’s needs. Tamara has since recovered and both she and Brian marvel at how the girls have done what is needed to help out. “They step up without being asked and (helping to care for Bradey) is just a natural part of their day to day routine,” said Tamara.
Both girls have a GPA of 3.8 and are active in sports – Bailey a soccer and tennis player and But ask anyone who has Darbey a volleyball player. met Bradey and they will Juggling school, sports, friends tell you that, in spite of his and helping to care for their lack of verbal skills, the brother has not always been easy. boy will steal your heart in Although Bailey and Darbey are an instant. Bailey, a senior, Bradey’s biggest cheerleaders, and her sister Darbey, a there many others as well, sophomore, are Bradey’s especially many students at SHS. biggest fans. The two have When Bradey learned to ride not led a typical teenager’s a bike last year, Bailey posted life, but would not trade it a video of the milestone event for the world. on Facebook. The video went Pictured are Darbey, Bradey and Bailey Scrimsher. The two Sandpoint High School sisters are great supporters of their brother, Bradey, and are viral among Bailey and Darbey’s advocates to help bring awareness to those with special needs. “Bradey has made me friends, as does any Facebook a stronger person and entry the sisters post about because of him I have Bradey, everyone celebrating his realized not to take things for granted,” said Darbey. “I every accomplishment. “He is one lucky boy because he has wouldn’t change anything about him.” In fact, she uses such an extended family with all the people who love him,” Bradey as an example to educate others. “I can’t stand it when said Tamara. people use the word retarded,” said Darbey, who adds that because of the love they have for Bradey, her friends too have The girls realize that they may be missing out on some things become aware of how the misuse of the word can hurt people. because of the extra attention that Bradey requires, but rarely is there a complaint. With the help of daily therapies, One of the many challenges the sisters have faced came including occupational, physical and speech therapy, Bradey when Bradey was five years old and their mom Tamara is progressing. He has limited vocabulary and conveys a lot of was diagnosed with cancer. Their dad, Brian, has a job his needs through non-verbal cues and limited sign language.
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