Imagine the emotions one feels as they prepare to welcome their child into the world: excitement, joy, and overwhelming love, just to name a few. Now, imagine these emotions coupled with the fear of watching your child struggle in the NICU and being told that your tiny, newborn baby has an uncertain future. These were the range of emotions felt by Crystal Daugherty after giving birth to her daughter, Faryn, on May 2nd, 2023.

After experiencing an uneventful pregnancy, Crystal was alarmed to discover she had a severe form of preeclampsia that was asymptomatic. What started as a routine check-up turned into Crystal delivering Faryn at 34 weeks. Faryn was immediately taken to the NICU for monitoring where it was discovered that she suffered two severe brain bleeds. She was then flown to Norton Children’s Hospital in Louisville for further treatment, and doctors gave Crystal an uncertain prognosis for her daughter: Faryn would likely suffer from cerebral palsy and decreased motor skills, and may never crawl or even walk.

Even in the midst of this frightening time, Crystal sprang into action. After hearing Faryn’s prognosis, the first words out of Crystal’s mouth were “What can I do?” She was willing to do anything to help her tiny little girl fight against these odds. Doctors and therapists at Norton’s stressed early intervention to help rewire the parts of Faryn’s brain that were affected during the brain bleeds. The earlier that Faryn started therapy, the more likely the neuroplasticity in her brain would correct the damage. Therapists at Norton’s began the process of sending out referrals to therapy clinics, and Wendell Foster was the first facility to reach out with availability. At the tender age of 2 months old (with an adjusted age of 15 days in relation to her actual due date), Faryn started her therapy journey at Wendell Foster. 

Faryn’s therapy team hit the ground running with weekly Physical and Occupational Therapy appointments. Occupational Therapist Teresa Clark and Physical Therapist Lauren Beguin worked to improve Faryn’s fine motor skills and mobility to get her development back on track. Faryn began to show improvements, especially after a shunt was placed in her brain to decrease swelling. Not only did this help with the pressure in her skull, but the shunt also corrected an issue with her vision that was causing her to gaze downward. This kick-started even more improvements in therapy, as Faryn could now see clearly! When Crystal took Faryn in for a final follow-up at Norton’s, her therapist was shocked at Faryn’s progress. Faryn was now ahead in her developmental milestones, and the therapist predicted her cerebral palsy symptoms would be very mild. “The therapist said, whatever you’re doing, whatever therapy place you decided on, don’t leave there. So I think a large credit to Faryn’s success has been the therapy we received here at Wendell Foster,” Crystal said.

Faryn’s remarkable improvements can’t be attributed to her therapy team alone. “Faryn’s mother and grandmother have been a huge instrument in her development,” said Theresa. “They have followed through on the recommendations that we as providers have given them, and that is key.” From the beginning, Faryn’s grandmother Alicia attended every therapy appointment with Faryn and Crystal. While Crystal was at work, Alicia was diligent in following Faryn's therapy plan at home, using techniques they learned during sessions and utilizing a checklist. Crystal’s nieces and nephews even joined in and were constantly asking what they could do to help Faryn’s development. “Faryn had a supporting, thriving environment, and it really shows the extent of what could happen when we get that follow-through (with our clients and their families),” Teresa explained.

(Left) Occupational Therapist Teresa Clark uses toys to improve Faryn's fine motor skills. (Middle) Faryn with her biggest fans, Crystal and Alicia. (Right) Faryn works on standing with her Physical Therapist, Lauren Beguin.

Crystal believes Faryn is living proof of the power of early intervention. “Whatever Faryn’s capabilities were going to be in life, I wanted to give her the best chance of success,” said Crystal. Looking at Faryn, you would never know this happy little girl endured a premature birth and serious brain surgery. Faryn is always smiling and bringing joy to everyone who meets her, and it’s a testament to the support of her family, therapists, care team, and most importantly, her own resilience. “This little girl has never slowed down!” exclaimed Lauren. “From the get-go, she has been so happy to be here, so eager, and she’s just progressed non-stop. Every week she’s doing something new, and learning new skills.” It’s hard to believe the tiny baby who doctors predicted may never walk is on track to start walking at 10 months!

As Faryn continues to beat the odds, we know her village of supporters will cheer her on every step of the way. The sky is the limit for Faryn, and Wendell Foster is proud to be a part of Faryn’s journey. “I tell everyone, if your child needs therapy, they need to come to Wendell Foster,” said Crystal. 

Thank you to Faryn's mother Crystal, grandmother Alicia, and therapists Theresa Clark and Lauren Beguin for contributing to this story! We can't wait to see what this little fighter achieves next! 💙

February is the month of love, and what better way to celebrate than enjoying a delicious meal with the ones you love? Residents got into the Valentine's spirit with a catered meal from Olive Garden on Valentine's Day! 🍝 This was a much-anticipated event in the Cottages, and residents spent the month leading up to the lunch finding dates and making each other valentines. Once the big day arrived, everyone got dressed up in their best attire and paired up with their dates to enjoy lunch!

Residents had their pick of salad and breadsticks, spaghetti with marinara sauce, and chicken alfredo. No Valentine's Day meal would be complete without a yummy dessert, so chocolate cake and punch were served after the entrée. While they were eating, they enjoyed a showing of Lady and the Tramp. What a perfect way to celebrate a day full of love! A huge thank you goes to our Recreation Staff for their hard work in organizing the lunch and ensuring that our residents had a special day. 🥰

From all of us at Wendell Foster, we hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day! 💘

Cake, punch, and Lady and the Tramp made this Valentine's Day meal complete!

Wendell Foster residents shined bright at this year's Night to Shine on Friday, February 9th! 🌟 The event, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation and hosted by Life Community Church in Owensboro, is an unforgettable prom experience for people with disabilities, ages 14 and older. The event was held worldwide on February 9th across 50 countries, and this is the 10th anniversary of the first-ever Night to Shine! Honored guests at Owensboro's Night to Shine, held at the Owensboro Convention Center, had the chance to walk the red carpet, take a ride in a limousine, drink complimentary hot chocolate from the Horsin' Around beverage trailer, receive hair and makeup or shoe shining services, sing their hearts out in the karaoke room, and dance the night away! At the end of the night, each guest was crowned king and queen of the prom! 👑

Thank you to the Tim Tebow Foundation and Life Community Church for providing such an incredible event that honors those with disabilities in our community. This night is a highlight of the year for those we serve, and it looks like everyone had an absolute blast!

The countdown is ON for the 5th Annual Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K, presented by Owensboro Health! Have you registered yet? To guarantee your preferred shirt size, you must register no later than March 1st! Don't wait until it's too late...register today! 🏃‍♂️

Top Reasons to Register:

1. Awesome Free Swag!
2. Prime Hydration, Pizza, Chocolate Milk, and Bananas at the Finish Line!
3. $10 off any $20 Purchase at Legends (bib tear-off)
4. Runner Discount Cards
5. After Party at Goodwood Brewing
6. Running for a Purpose: Empowering People with Disabilities!
7. Flat and Fast Course
8. Beautiful Start/Finish Line Right on the Riverfront!

5 Years Of...



💪 Determination

🤝 Commitment

🏃‍♀️ Perseverance

💙 Passion

In 2019, Wendell Foster started the Wendell Foster Half Marathon to support our mission of empowering people with disabilities. In 2020, we made the difficult decision to host a virtual race in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we returned to the starting line better than ever in November 2021. In 2022, we added the 5K. In 2023, we introduced our Steps Division, and announced our next race would be held in March 2024 to honor our inaugural race and National Disability Awareness Month. This year, we celebrate five years of determination, commitment, perseverance, and passion. Join us on March 23rd for the fifth annual Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K...and run for a purpose!

Thank you, Wonder Boy Media, for this special video that commemorates each year of our race! 

Cross the finish line and celebrate with us at Goodwood Brewing for the official After Party! Bring the tear-off from your race-day bib for one complimentary beer at Goodwood, conveniently located right by the finish line!

Must be 21+ years of age or older to redeem free beer voucher.

Please enjoy responsibly!

We are pumped that Inzaption Photos is returning this year to provide FREE race day photos of our runners! Photos will be available after the race via digital download.

Stay tuned for an email and a post on the official WFHM & 5K Facebook page with the link to view photos!

When you race in the Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K, you receive...

🏅 Large and Colorful Finisher Medal (Both Divisions!)

🎽 Athletic T-Shirt

🌟 13.1 Sticker (Half Marathon Division Only)

Wendell Foster is excited to sponsor the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Rooster Booster Breakfast on March 7th at the Owensboro Convention Center! This is our fourth year hosting the March Rooster Booster in honor of National Disability Awareness Month. We are thrilled to welcome guest speaker Russell Hoyt of The Hoyt Foundation to speak on his message of "Yes You Can!" and his belief that anyone can achieve their dreams. Russell is the son of Dick Hoyt and the brother of Rick Hoyt, also known as the legendary racing duo Team Hoyt. Russell continues his family's legacy as President and CEO of The Hoyt Foundation.

The cost to attend is $15 for Chamber Members with reservations, $20 for Members with no reservations and $25 for non-members. Register to attend here or call the Chamber office at 270-926-1860 by noon on Wednesday, March 6th. To learn more about The Hoyt Foundation and Team Hoyt, click here!

The Whitesville Lions Club Chili Supper & Pie Auction is returning on April 19th at the Whitesville Senior Citizen Center! Serving of chili, hot dogs, and drinks will begin at 5 pm, with the Pie Auction starting at 6 pm. If you are interested in donating a pie or other desserts, baked goods can be dropped off at the Senior Citizen Center after 4 pm on the day of the Pie Auction.

Wendell Foster is honored to once again be a recipient of this fundraiser. Thank you so much to our friends at the Whitesville Lions Club for their generosity and compassion for the people we serve! You are #WFDifferenceMakers!

We LOVED the month of February! 💕

1. John whipped up a yummy dessert of strawberry amaretto crème brûlée at Joys Cooking Classes and More!

2. Cottage C Residents gathered to watch the Kansas City Chiefs defeat the San Francisco 49ers in the Supoer Bowl.

3. Bobby put his artistic skills to the test at a cookie decorating class at Becca Bakes.

4. Bryant and his DSP, Ashley, grabbed a bite to eat at Goodwood Owensboro. He recommends the Waylon burger with Cajun fries!

5. Jay had a blast watching a wrestling match at the Owensboro Convention Center!

6. Conner was definitely feeling the Valentine's spirit this year!

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