Rylee's Rally to help children with special needs

HUNTINGTON — Deborah Davis wants area families to know that help exists for children with special needs, from learning programs and medical equipment to financial assistance.  

That’s why she’s encouraging them to attend “Rylee’s Rally” on Saturday, March 15, at Marshall University, where at least 30 vendors will provide families with free information about various programs and opportunities. Davis said space remains for anyone interested in becoming a vendor.

Davis, of Barboursville, is the mother of 3-year-old Rylee Davis, who has a rare, life-threatening metabolic disorder known as nonketotic hyperglycinemia. Davis said the rally is named after Rylee, but will benefit children with a wide range of needs.

Davis said she remembers feeling overwhelmed by Rylee’s diagnosis a few years ago, but said a one-stop resource fair will provide other families with abundant information.

“This is an opportunity not only to make sure Rylee makes a difference, but to make sure there are no other families going home feeling overwhelmed to take care of their child. Knowledge really is power,” Davis said.

The event will provide families with a variety of financial resources, specialists, medical equipment providers and more. For vendors, Davis said it’s not only an advertisement but a way to connect with the people they serve.

Huntington mothers Jessie Slash and Shellie Mellert also helped organize the event. Slash has 6- and 12-year-old sons with special health care needs. She said all of the mothers know how difficult it can be to find help.

“I know the challenges we faced, my husband and I, trying to find different resources for our kids to be a part of the community,” Slash said. “I want my kids to be kids. I want them to be part of a baseball team and to be around friends. So we’ve found recreational activities that are specifically for children with special needs.”

That’s just some of the information that can be obtained from the fair, she said.

“We want families to be aware that there are available resources, and they’re definitely not alone. This resource fair gives families an opportunity to come together with a variety of organizations,” Slash said.

Mellert has a 17-year-old daughter who requires 24-hour care. Mellert remembers when she was very young and the family had a hard time finding helpful programs.

“There’s so much more out there that I didn’t even know about,” she said. “One of the things we wanted to do was to put all these resources in one location so families can basically shop for what they need.”

The free event is scheduled to take place at the Don Morris Room in the MU Memorial Student Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15.

Some vendor space remains, and more information is available by calling (304) 691-1393 or visiting www.musom.marshall.edu/fsn/docc/rylee.asp.