Meet Hayden! Just after her first birthday, Hayden was diagnosed with spastic triplegic cerebral palsy, which affects both her legs and left arm. Now nearing her fifth birthday, Hayden is crushing her daily routine and living her life to the fullest.
Hayden attends a motor-intensive preschool, the Center for Independence, where she focuses on intensive therapy to help her movement, posture, strength, and endurance. Hayden has a full team behind her, helping tackle her day-to-day life and set her up for future success.
But like any other five-year-old, Hayden spends her days at the park on the swings, practicing her cheerleading in the stands of Loyola athletic events, playing at home with her little brother, family, and friends, and spending time with her dog. Hayden is the daughter of Loyola Chicago men’s basketball head coach Drew Valentine and his wife, Taylor.
Hayden’s design, “Watch Me Fly” is a reminder to all of us that growth looks different for everyone. She reminds us that strength, determination, and joy can take flight in powerful ways. Like the butterfly in her artwork, Hayden continues to show us what’s possible when we believe, support, and let individuals soar in their own time and in their own way.
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
