Born to Defy the Odds
Shirley Thorne has never let a diagnosis define her.
At just two years old, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Throughout her childhood, she endured multiple surgeries to improve her ability to walk—each one painful, each one a test of her will. At 14, after years of pushing through, Shirley made a bold decision: she declined another major surgery and chose to live life on her terms.
That choice marked the beginning of a lifelong pattern—meeting challenges with grace, self-determination, and an unwavering drive to care for others.
A Life Built on Love and Helping Others
Shirley grew up with a big heart and a bigger purpose. She worked as a caregiver, an Uber driver, and a babysitter—roles that allowed her to pour her energy into supporting others. But what she wanted most was to one day have a child of her own.
In 2018, that dream came true. Shirley and her partner were thrilled to learn she was pregnant. But her journey into motherhood wouldn’t be easy. Complications during her pregnancy made it difficult to walk or stand with her crutches. The independence she had worked so hard to maintain suddenly felt fragile.
That’s when Shirley was introduced to Service Coordination, Inc. and her Supports Planner, Ashley Jackson.
Ashley met Shirley just weeks after she gave birth to her daughter, Gabriella. What she found wasn’t just a new mother—but a woman full of warmth, light, and fierce resolve.
“My priority is to be the best mother I can be,” Shirley told her. “That’s all that matters.”
Support That Empowers, Services That Uplift
Through the Community First Choice (CFC) program, Shirley began receiving daily support to help her regain stability. With assistance in meal preparation and daily routines, she was able to reserve her energy for what mattered most—raising her daughter.
Ashley worked closely with Shirley’s apartment complex to request a larger unit and initiate environmental adaptations that would make her home safer and more accessible. These changes would give Shirley more freedom and confidence as she continued her recovery.
And recover she has.
Today, Shirley is not only able to stand again—she’s working toward walking and returning to the workforce. Her vision is clear: provide a beautiful life for Gabriella and show her what strength looks like.
Rooting for Shirley, Cheering for Gabriella
Shirley’s community, family, and the SCI team are united in support of her goals. Her joy is infectious. Her courage is unmistakable.
“Thanks to the CFC program and Ashley,” Shirley says, “I can raise my daughter and live independently. I’m not doing this alone.”
Her story is one of deep love, hard-won independence, and the quiet power of support that meets you where you are—and helps you move forward.
The Heart of What SCI Does
At SCI, we know that independence doesn’t mean going it alone. We partner with individuals like Shirley across Maryland, helping them access personalized support, home adaptations, long-term planning, and programs that honor their goals and dreams.
Because when we support mothers like Shirley, we’re not just changing one life—we’re impacting generations.
Explore our full range of services.
At SCI, we believe every individual has the right to dream big, raise their family, and live with dignity — on their own terms.