At nine months old, Kyleigh’s progression halted when she experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after a devastating fall at the babysitter’s. The accident caused a hematoma that left her in critical condition and resulted in paralysis on her right side. She also developed hydrocephalus that led to cerebral spinal fluid not circulating properly throughout her body. This trauma regressed any development she had made in her first months. Doctors assessed her at a “zero month” level and told her parents that she’d never walk, she’d never talk, and would likely live in a vegetative state.

“The normalcy of being new parents to a healthy baby girl was now gone forever,” Dawn said.

Nevertheless, the Cheyne family was not willing to give up. They began with home-based physical and occupational therapy, but wanted a more intensive outlet. Her parents reached out to Jackie Warmuth at the Sitrin Health Care Center. The facility’s dedicated therapy staff worked with the Cheynes to create a personalized pediatric therapy regimen.

Since Kyleigh was still a baby, they had to focus on her developmental milestones – reflexes, hand motions, crawling, walking, talking - everything. Three days a week, she took part in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and aquatic therapy.

At Sitrin, Kyleigh became a celebrity in her own right. Countless staff members checked in on her progress, developing a relationship with her and her parents. After her first year of care, employees recall one particular day they could hear what sounded like thunder upstairs. Staff had gathered in the pediatric gym, and looked on in awe as Kyleigh, who wasn’t expected to ever talk or walk, took her first steps at Sitrin.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the gym.

Kyleigh continued to evolve. In speech, she used repetition and practice exercises to learn how to move her mouth, make sounds, and enunciate until she ultimately spoke her first words at Sitrin. This marked another significant breakthrough.

She also advanced in other therapies. In the pediatric gym, she utilized a ball pit for sensory enhancement and hand-eye coordination. In Sitrin’s heated therapy pools, she participated in water playtime with her mom. The duo worked with a therapist on improving balance, strength, and mobility. Both environments provided crucial buoyancy support, encouraging physical kinesthesia and calming relaxation Kyleigh needed in her formative years.

“At Sitrin, Kyleigh started to progress very quickly, learning to talk, sit up, crawl, climb stairs, and swim,” Dawn said. “Most importantly, she learned how to be a kid.”

She visited Sitrin every week for therapy over the next five years, each day making strides physically, mentally, and emotionally. Even at her tender toddler age, she exhibited great strength, energy, and determination.

Eventually, it became time for Kyleigh to leave Sitrin and take on a new adventure: school. While in high school, Kyleigh was an excelling honor roll student who enjoyed art, science, skiing, and music, having been a member of the senior a cappella group. She also volunteered as an assistant coach for AYSO soccer.

Kyleigh currently works part-time at the Root Farm where she gardens and helps to takes care of the animals. She is also giving back to Sitrin by participating in the Military-Civilian Coalition, part of Sitrin’s Military Rehabilitation Program. Kyleigh and her parents enjoy cycling with veterans, building friendships and helping them reintegrate into society.

A recent high school graduate, Kyleigh is looking forward to advancing her education at Mohawk Valley Community College where she will pursue a degree in General Studies.

As her amazing journey continues, Kyleigh remains a fighter, a survivor, and a true miracle.