ATLANTA — A hospital worker who helped brighten the spirits of a sick baby at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is now getting some much-needed help in return.
Blake Sheffer and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston tech Quanda Riles went viral last month after video showed Riles dancing with baby Blake while he was in his hospital bed.
Blake was born prematurely and has been in and out of the hospital with seizure-like episodes and a heart rhythm problem since birth.
He's made a special connection with Riles, an environmental services technician, during his many visits.
Blake’s mother, Lauren Ashley Sheffer told Channel 2 Action News at the time that her son and Riles have the dancing sessions almost every day.
Sheffer reached out to Channel 2 Action News again Monday to say that Blake was readmitted, and shared sweet video of his reunion with Riles.
But Sheffer said she has learned some unfortunate news.
“Quanda has several debilitating health issues including a severe form of glaucoma where she is expected to be completely blind in the near future,” Sheffer said. “She is so positive and happy with the children at CHOA that you would never know.”
Sheffer said Riles always talks about her faith in God and how she is in peace because of him.
“I would love to be able to give back a portion of what she’s given to us and so many other families with sick children,” Sheffer said.
Channel 2 Action News spoke to Riles, who said she just likes making her patients smile.
“My favorite part of working for Children’s is making the patients feel happy and comfortable because you don’t know what a family is going through,” said Riles. “I always try to keep a smile on their faces.”
Sheffer said she has set up a GoFundMe account to help Riles. You can donate HERE.
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