In When Phoenyx was just 3 months old, she was shaken so badly by her birth mother's boyfriend, that it resulted in permeant brain damage. She ended up in foster care. At the age of two, she was placed in a residential facility to receive around the clock care.  

When Phoenyx was four years old, a young women named Emily came to volunteer at the facility. Emily instantly felt a connection with Phoenyx and started visiting twice a week. 

As a single women in her mid twenties, adopting a child was not on Emily's radar, but as Emily said "I could not stop thinking about Phoenyx and I was inspired to fight for her."   

Four months later, Phoenyx was placed in Emily's home on a trial foster care basis. In May of 2017, Emily officially adopted Phoenyx.  

Today, Phoenyx is 10 years old and growing. The lack of accessibility in their bathroom has become more of an issue as Phoenyx has gotten older. With the support of our monthly donors, VVF was able to provide Emily & Pheonyx with a scholarship to make the bathroom a more accessible space. 

Here are just a few of the ways this bathroom renovation is helping Phoenyx daily: 

• Expanding the standard size tub allows Phoenyx to relax her tight muscles in the bath.

• A removable shower curtain and bigger tub improves the ease of showering, taking physical strain off of Emily, Phoenyx's mom and full time caregiver.

• A lowered counter top increases Phoenyx's independence as she is now able to reach the faucet and wash her own hands and brush her teeth.

  As Phoenyx continues to grow, this newly accessible bathroom will become increasingly important to her overall freedom, independence and dignity.  

Thank you to our monthly donors who made this victory possible!