Shymira Chandler always felt different. Born with a cleft palate, a condition that affects the upper lip and roof of the mouth, Shymira was unlike her family, her peers, and others in her community. Growing up in Philadelphia, where few people knew about her condition, she was often the target of teasing and bullying. Classmates whispered about her in the halls, and some even resorted to physical fights because of her facial differences.
Her family didn’t fully understand her struggles, and neither did her peers. Shymira felt completely isolated and alone in her experiences. The constant emotional and physical attacks led her to develop deep anxiety and depression. Leaving her house became a challenge, and by the time she was 16, she had retreated into herself, barely engaging with the outside world. The emotional toll of her childhood left her feeling hopeless and, at times, suicidal.
“I never had anybody who was different around me growing up,” Shymira recalls. “Everyone was normal, and it was hard to accept. My mother didn’t want me to go outside, and I didn’t realize until I was older that she was trying to protect me. She didn’t know how to do it, so she did what she could.”
At 17, Shymira became a mother for the first time, giving birth to a daughter who brought a new light into her life. She felt a profound love for her baby girl, and she knew she needed to make changes for her child's sake. She began practicing self-care, writing love notes to herself, and slowly facing her fears. But a few years later, when her son Mason was born, Shymira truly found her life's mission.
Mason entered the world prematurely, weighing just three pounds. He couldn’t take a bottle by mouth and needed a Gastrostomy Tube (G-tube) to help with feeding and a tracheostomy to assist with breathing. This little boy was born medically fragile, and Shymira, having faced so many struggles of her own, understood immediately that her journey had prepared her for this moment. Her purpose was clear: she would be the strongest mother and advocate for Mason, making sure he knew that his differences made him unique and, more importantly, loved.
“Looking back at all the things that I didn’t have growing up, I make sure I give him,” she says. “I went through pain and trauma, but now I use those experiences to support him. I have a great connection with my son, and it’s beautiful. I love my children, and I am glad that I got the experience in this lifetime to understand that everybody is different and unique in their own ways. Just having him is a breath of fresh air because now I can teach him how to love himself, and he is teaching me more and more every day.”
Mason spent almost his entire first year in St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children before Shymira decided to either have Mason remain in the hospital or move him to KenCrest’s Children’s Transitional Care Home, where he could receive 24/7 skilled nursing care. At first, she was terrified. What if Mason forgot her? What if he wasn’t happy there? But once she met the KenCrest team and saw the care they provided, she knew she had made the right choice. Mason thrived in the supportive environment, surrounded by people dedicated to helping him grow and become the best version of himself.
Since joining KenCrest, Mason has made remarkable progress. He’s walking and exploring the world around him with excitement. Unlike the restricted environment of the hospital, where he was confined to a bed, at KenCrest, Mason is free to move and play under supervision.
“I didn’t expect him to start walking until he was two,” Shymira laughs. “But one day, he was crawling, and the next minute, he was up and walking. His growth has been so much faster than anyone expected, and I’m so thankful for what KenCrest has done for him. I go to bed every night knowing that he is safe, that someone I trust is taking care of my baby the way I would.”
KenCrest operates two Transitional Care Homes for medically fragile children in Pennsylvania, pioneering a care model that combines skilled nursing with a warm, family-like environment. The organization ensures that children like Mason can experience a typical childhood—attending school, going on field trips, and playing in parks—while still receiving the medical care they need. Plus, parents are trained throughout the process on how to care for their child so they are prepared for the transition home.
“I recommend anybody who has a child with special needs,” Shymira says. “You will have the support, the training, and the people who will walk beside you every step of the way. If you need transportation to get there, they will help you with that, too.”
Reflecting on her life’s challenges, Shymira now sees them as part of her journey to be the best mother for Mason. “I prayed to God so many times when I was growing up, asking for help, but now I see that He was preparing me for this. Everything I went through made me strong enough to support my son and show him that he can overcome any obstacle. KenCrest has been a part of that, and I’m grateful.”
If Shymira and Mason’s story touched your heart, there are many ways you can help families like theirs. KenCrest relies on the generosity of supporters to continue providing life-changing care for medically fragile children. You can make a difference by donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about the incredible work KenCrest does.
