Mariah A. Care Companion in Chicago, IL 60618

Hello, my name is Mariah Alvarez. I am a young hard-working student and a part-time sales associate for Champs Sports. I am majoring in kinesiology. My passion for that major grew enormously the moment I found out my sister was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. My sister is a survivor from Shaken Baby Syndrome. The doctors told my family to start making funeral arrangements because she wasn't going to make it. Against all odds, my sister woke up from the coma and is here today 11 years later. Ayanna is my angel. I can proudly say that she has mold me into the woman I am today. I know God put her here for a powerful purpose, and so kindly blessed me to be her big sister so that I can guide her along with other children. When I would attend her physical, occupational, and aquatic therapy sessions, I knew then that was the kind of atmosphere I wanted to be in. One on one, motivating and encouraging my sister so that she could have the strongest support system, cheering her on saying, "You can do it Ayanna! Push yourself, one more step baby!" Her therapists would teach me how to work with her at home from stretching herself out to putting her in her gate trainer walker. I also help out with her speech. Ayanna is very much dependent on me and my mom because she is limited to certain mobility. Her right side was hindered when she was shook so she has poor vision through one eye, uses her left side for everything, wears pampers, needs help bathing, and putting on clothes, along with getting fed. She also has certain medication she has to take every morning and evening. Although she is my little sister, I must say I have maternal love for her. I treat her like she is my own child. I cannot thank Ayanna enough for teaching me the meaning of love and patience. Although I don't have a degree yet, I hope that through my sister's story everyone can see how profound my love is for being a special needs caregiver and how working with different children will enhance my experience and ultimately make me better in what I do/will do.