LEXINGTON — Jackie Sheridan said it’s become increasingly difficult to safely bathe her 11-year-old son, who has cerebral palsy.
“Our bathroom is tiny and there is no way of getting his chair in there,” she said. “At this time, I can no longer bathe him and it’s up to Scott (her husband) to do it.”
To help resolve this issue, the Sheridan family has plans to install a new handicap accessible bathroom in their Lexington home. This is estimated to cost $8,000.
The new bathroom will be larger in size with features specifically adapted to meet Preston’s needs.
“This bathroom isn’t a want, it’s a need to keep Preston and us safe from getting hurt,” Jackie said. “Plus it’s a way to hopefully give Preston more independence.”
Preston is a micro preemie triplet born 16 weeks early. He was one pound, nine ounces at birth. His triplet brother Hayden passed when they were 14 months old.
Preston has cerebral palsy, dystonia, and bilateral cochlear implants. The third grader at Western Elementary uses a power chair outside of the home and crawls a little bit around the house, depending on his movements that day.
“Some days he can crawl his way easily and other days he can hardly crawl,” Jackie said.
He knows some sign language and is learning to use a communication device. He receives therapy at school and takes horseback riding lessons at Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center.
“He’s something else,” Jackie said. “He’s real loving, caring. He doesn’t like us upset, but he’s got an ornery streak to him.”
Echoing her comment, Scott said, “He’s as ornery as the day is long.”
Jackie added that Preston is determined to “get stuff done, but his body just doesn’t cooperate,” she said.
Scott works fulltime at Next Generation Films and Jackie is a stay-at-home mother.
Richland Outreach Center is holding a benefit to support the Sheridan family’s mission of adding a new handicap accessible bathroom in their house.
The carnival-themed benefit will take place Saturday, March 25 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, located at 499 Park Avenue West.
Jackie said she’s thankful for the support, noting, “We can’t do it on our own.”
For those who are unable to attend the event but would still like to make a monetary donation, they can send a check to Richland Outreach Center, PO Box 3837, Mansfield, OH 44907. Put “Preston” in the memo.
For more information on the upcoming benefit, click here.
