Rutherford Weekly

Savana Jenkins has a smile that lights up her entire face - so much so that her nickname at school is Smiley - and a loving nature that goes along with it. And her smile couldn't have gotten any bigger than it did during a recent trip to the Walt Disney World Resort with Ace & TJ's Grin Kids. Savana, 11, was born with Angelman Syndrome (AS). It is a syndrome that is often misdiagnosed as cerebral palsy or autism due to lack of awareness. Angelman Syndrome (AS) occurs in one in 15,000 live births, and is a rare neuro-genetic disorder. "We didn't notice anything for months and months," said Savana's mom, Erin Jenkins. "At first tests said it was cerebral palsy, but her school therapists thought it was Angelman Syndrome. Once we got to the right doctor, they could tell us by sight." The family was told that Savana would "be nothing," Erin explained. "That wasn't good enough for me, and it still isn't," she said. "We were told she wouldn't walk, and she's up and running. We have her throwing a ball." Savana is non-verbal, but it was evident to her family how happy she was during the Grin Kids trip. Grin Kids is a non-profit charity created by Charlotte radio personalities Ace and TJ of the Ace & TJ Show. The charity was created in 1999, and each year the organization provides a family vacation to Disney World to children who are terminally ill or chronically disabled. Children are nominated by friends or family, and are selected by a collaboration of pediatric doctors and nurses and their medical teams. "When I first got the call she'd been selected, I didn't recognize the number so I didn't answer," Erin said. "When I got the message, I squalled. I couldn't even talk. "We had listened to the show for years, even before Savana came along." The all-expenses paid trip was one of a lifetime for Savana and her family, including younger brother Cole, who enjoyed the trip as well. "They pay for everything," Erin said. "As soon as we got to the airport there were people there to help, and when we got off the plane in Orlando, there were Disney buses waiting on us." Savana's favorite character is Goofy, and she got the chance to meet him during a character breakfast. The group got to open each of theme park while they were there. Being with other families who have children in similar situations was a blessing, Erin added. "There was no one staring at us when Savana acted out," she said. "Everyone just pitched in and helped each other. We brought home friendships." While Savana will need lifelong care, she's come a long way from where doctors expected her to be. "Our plan is to have a home with a basement, and that will be her apartment," Erin said. "Savana doesn't know that she's different, and wants to be treated just like anyone else." While she could question why Savana was born with Angelman Syndrome, Erin instead focuses on the blessing her daughter is. "I've never looked at anyone with a disability any differently," she said. "I think that's why God gave her to me. God's made me stronger by having her." For more information on Angelman Syndrome, visit angelman.org. For more on Grin Kids, visit grinkids.org. OUR 24 th YEAR • ISSUE NO. 48 • December 1, 2016 RutherfordWeekly.com 828-248-1408 FREE FREE ©Community First Media Community First Media 720 S CHURCH STREET, FOREST CITY • 828-245-7274 ATTENTION MEN: Come in and allow our talented staff to assist you in selecting the perfect gift for your special lady! Mon.-Fri. 8:00-5:45 • Sat. 8:30-4:30 TOO MUCH TO LIST! STOP BY & CHECK US OUT! 596 South Broadway St., Forest City 828-245-3551 B&D'S B&D'S THRIFT & LOAN THRIFT & LOAN ©Community First Media Community First Media Large Selection of Appliances 30 Day Warranty! Shop here first, You'll be glad you did! See Us For All Your Jewelry • Tools • Electronics • Game Systems Musical Instruments • Motorcycles • ATVs RUTHERFORD COUNTY'S FAVORITE NEWSPAPER RUTHERFORD COUNTY'S FAVORITE NEWSPAPER Christmas events return to Rutherfordton on December 3 Articles By: Allison Flynn, Rutherford Weekly Articles By: Allison Flynn, Rutherford Weekly LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL BUY 'She's always smiling' Savana Jenkins is defying the odds of Angelman Syndrome Grin Kids provides an all-expenses paid trip for families with children ages 5 to 12 who are chronically disabled or terminally ill. Children have to be nominated and chosen for the trip. Savana's parents, Eric and Erin, and her brother, Cole, went to Walt Disney World with her. Eleven year old Savana Jenkins, who was born with Angelman Syndrome, took part in this year's Grin Kids trip to Walt Disney World. Savana is a student at Forest City-Dunbar Elementary. The Town of Rutherfordton has decked the halls and is ready to celebrate Christmas with a parade, events and a lighting of the Christmas tree on the courthouse lawn on Saturday, Dec. 3. "A Rutherfordton Christmas" will begin at 1 p.m. that day with an opportunity for children and children at heart to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in Main Street Park. Activities will include holiday games, hot chocolate and cookies. Again this year the downtown shop windows will come to life with various scenes, said Rutherford Town Revitalization Director Cindy Adair. "We'll have all kinds of folks doing things in the windows. The Arts Guild, for example, will have a toy maker," she said. Merchants will also have various specials for shoppers as well. Those who attend will have plenty of time to shop and visit before heading to neighboring Spindale, who again is partnering with Rutherfordton to present Christmas parades. "We've done this for a number of years, and appreciate the partnership we have with Spindale in presenting the parades," Adair said. The parade begins in Spindale at 3:30 p.m. on Main Street, and reconvenes in Rutherfordton at 5 p.m. Following both parades will be the lighting of the Christmas tree on the courthouse lawn. For many years, Adair said, the tree has been dark but this year fundraising efforts were made to once again light the tree. "The Ol' 74 Jazz Band will play for the lighting, and there will be Christmas sing-alongs," she said. Photos Provided By: Leniece Lane Photos Provided By: Leniece Lane

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