July was Disability Pride Month, but inclusion is a year-round action. Amanda Bailey, Scheduling Coordinator at Marko Lujic, MD, and wife of Red Sox Pitching Coach, Andrew Bailey, reflected on Disability Pride Month in a letter to her daughter, Teddy. Her reflections are tender, full of strength, and deeply personal. We’re honored to share her letter here.
Amanda Bailey opens up in a beautifully penned letter to her daughter, Teddy, who has a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Amanda's thoughts are a reminder that pride isn’t about ignoring the hard moments; it’s about making room for the whole story: the challenges, the joy, the growth, and the fierce belief that our children deserve to move through the world knowing they belong exactly as they are. Read on.
Dear Teddy,
I can not believe you are 14 years old. Every year on your birthday, I reflect on your birth story and truly how far you’ve come. In your short 14 years, you’ve faced multiple surgeries head-on, months in a hospital, and countless hours of physical therapy. I am choosing to write you a letter so you know just how proud and lucky your Dad and I feel.
You were supposed to be born August 13th, and the Red Sox were thankfully supposed to be in Boston. We had our doctor and hospital all chosen and ready for our delivery. But, you had other plans and decided to arrive 6 weeks early. On July 2, 2012 you came into this world tiny and tough. By two years old you already had 3 surgeries and were diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP), asthma, and tracheomalacia.
All of this was new to your Dad and I. I’ve only known bits and pieces of CP. We jumped into this head on, determined to learn everything we could. We took our time and developed what we thought was the best team of doctors for you.
Early intervention was key. Together, we all agreed on the best plan for you to succeed. Every morning we would stretch your muscles. On a weekly basis, there was physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech. Every three months you continue to receive botox in your lower extremities to help loosen your muscles. Every 6 months we met with your neurologist and orthopedic doctor. Your schedule was exhausting but it wasn’t about us, it was about you.
It’s quite serendipitous that you were born in July, which celebrates Disability Pride month. You have always been easy to celebrate. Your cerebral palsy is only a tiny piece of your story. You are a big sister. A theater lover.
As you enter your last year in middle school I hope you continue to grow and flourish. I love that you have found theater all on your own. I love that you are a part of the morning news crew for your school. I really love that since you were 3, you say you are going to be a pediatric nurse. I love the kindness that you bring into the world and I love to see the kindness that the world will continue to bring to you.
Love, Mom
[This season, for every Red Sox strikeout, the Bailey Family is donating to support those living with CP. Visit the #Strikeouts4CP campaign and make your pledge today]
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