August Home Run for Life – The Beautiful Bekka Sallee
Twelve-year-old Bekka Sallee has a radiant joy all her own.
Despite her physical limitations –– unable to walk, eat on her own or dress herself –– Bekka thrives on her self-determination, as well as loving support of those around her, especially her mom Melissa.
“She always has a smile, even when she’s going through very hard procedures,” says Melissa. “She’s always happy and silly.”
Born by emergency C-section at Memorial Hospital in 2004 at just 24 weeks, Bekka weighed 1 pound, 5 ounces. For the next four and half months in the NICU, Bekka fought for her life with the help, expertise and compassion of doctors and nurses at Memorial Children’s Hospital.
“The NICU staff at Memorial were absolutely wonderful,” Melissa recalls. “If she were born anywhere else, she wouldn’t have survived. Everyone there saved my daughter –– I truly believe that.”
Though diagnosed with spastic quad cerebral palsy and a progressive muscle disorder affecting her breathing, today Bekka doesn’t let physical challenges stop her from doing just about anything.
“Mentally, she is as smart as can be,” Melissa acknowledges. At school, Bekka loves to read, color and play games on her iPad. All in all, Melissa says each day with Bekka is a blessing.
“Bekka’s gift is to teach everyone the value of life, to show how the little things in life are significant and to be happy. She has made me a much stronger person than I ever thought I could be.”
Thank you to Horizon Transport for sponsoring two Home Run for Life Games this season. Their dollar-for-dollar match of funds raised during the July and August games will benefit Memorial Children’s Hospital. Horizon Transport, a highly respected leader in the RV world, is dedicated to the health and well-being of the children in our area.
Come to the South Bend Cubs game on Saturday, Aug. 6 starting at 7:05 p.m. to watch Bekka’s Home Run for Life presentation.
Enjoy this beautiful exchange between Melissa and Bekka: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pHWIgDA29o
