Vada’s Nominator writes: I live in a small, quiet subdivision in Elberton, GA. It is a neighborhood with no sidewalks or streetlights. Many years ago a young, single man moved into the neighborhood. he later met the love of his life and brought her into the neighborhood as his wife. they soon welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Vada, followed by her sister and a brother. I have watched this beautiful family grow and flourish. they outgrew their first home and, thankfully, bought a larger home in our neighborhood. I have enjoyed watching the joy and vitality they have brought to our neighborhood. At the time they moved here, they were the youngest and, for a while, were the only family with babies and toddlers. I have watched them grow as I drive by their yard and see them all playing outside. They frequently ride the golf cart down the road with their treasured pup. They have lemonade stands that draw all of the neighbors in to stop for a drink and cookies. The parents are very involved with their children and extremely devoted. they are the epitome of a perfect family. In april of 2022, things became very quiet in the neighborhood. I drove by their house, and there were no children laughing outside; the house that was always full of life was oddly still. After a night of playing with her siblings, Vada complained of a headache and then experienced a seizure. she was rushed to the children’s hospital in Atlanta and diagnosed with a brain tumor. She underwent surgery for its removal and they were able to remove the majority of the tumor, with a few small spots left. The doctor advised it was slow growing and had likely been there for years. Vada was an absolute warrior post surgery. She smiled for a pic to be sent to us all with her swollen face and partially shaved head and was concerned for her siblings and to get back to school. She faced visual difficulties and had occupational therapy and physical therapy to regain her balance. her parents broke the news to her that she wouldn’t be able to return to sports for awhile. Through it all Vada stayed strong. Vada’s mom was great to send updates to me. Our neighborhood, who previously had all been limited to waving to each other in passing, was now united in concern for Vada. I received multiple requests for updates each day, so I started a group text for the neighborhood and sent updates. When the time came for her to come home, the neighborhood came out in force. They showed up with signs, bunches of balloons, pinwheels for the yard, etc. They lined the fence and yelled and waved as she drove by on her way home. Everyone wanted to show their love for Vada and her family. Vada brought together our little neighborhood, and our entire community in support of her and her family. It was a wonderful thing to see. In the weeks and months to come, Vada mastered all goals of her Occupational and Physical Therapy and was released. she continues to have visits to the brain tumor clinic and an mri every 6 months to ensure that the remaining parts of the tumor have not grown. this family faces a roller coaster each time they go, praying for continued good news. I hold my breath for them and send up prayers until I get the update from her mom. I have enjoyed this summer watching them play in the yard, swim in their pool, drive the golf cart, and run with their pup as if there isn’t a care in the world. Life has returned to normal in our neighborhood, but I know that we are all much more aware of soaking in the “normal” times and enjoying the little things that we previously took for granted. I know that there is always an underlying stress for them, but my heart is warmed every single time I drive by their house and see the kids running and laughing. At times, I have slowed to an almost stop to witness the miracle of vada. I am so thankful for this little girl and her family. They have brought more joy to my life than i can say, and I look forward to watching these kids grow and experience all life has to offer. Ten years ago, i nominated another memorial princess. I remember the magic that it brought to her. I would love to share that magic, and a day of complete carefree enjoyment and pampering, with Vada.
Heather’s thoughts: Vada is such a sweet, kind girl. You can see in her face and her eyes how much of a love for life and this world she has. She’s fun, she’s funny, and I can easily see how Vada rallied and entire neighborhood behind her. She enjoyed her princess pictures and kept cracking jokes the whole evening. I loved meeting her and this kid will change the world with her kindness.
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