About Us
Riley was born on August 6, 2007, in perfect health and achieving all developmental milestones at his six-month check-up, during which he received his routine vaccinations. Tragically, just two days later, Riley began experiencing seizures that rapidly intensified. Despite numerous medical evaluations, his condition was initially diagnosed as Infantile Spasm Syndrome—a severe form of epilepsy. Further investigations suggested a mitochondrial disorder might be the underlying cause. After continuous and overwhelming seizure activity, a significant decision was made to discontinue all medications, which remarkably led to a temporary cessation of his seizures, allowing him glimpses of normal childhood activities. However, the early onset and frequency of his seizures caused irreversible developmental delays, preventing him from learning to walk or talk. In 2017, after being seizure-free for seven years, his seizures returned but were managed under the care of Dr. Condie, who also identified a rare genetic disorder linked to Riley's condition.
Together we can build a community where everyone is loved, valued and supported.
During this incredibly difficult chapter of my life, I faced challenges that pushed me to my limits as a single mother. In 2012, I was forced to file for bankruptcy due to overwhelming medical bills. Even though my income was technically “too high” to qualify for state assistance, the reality of our expenses and Riley’s needs told a very different story.
Then in 2019, everything changed again. I had a grand mal seizure in a grocery store, and three weeks later I learned the cause—a brain tumor. My very first thought wasn’t about myself, but about Riley. Who would take care of him? What would happen to my son?
In December 2019, I underwent brain surgery to remove the tumor. I had just five days of care for Riley. Five days and then I was back home, recovering from major surgery while taking care of him on my own. That moment is when the idea for Riley’s Residence was born. I knew families like ours needed something different, something better.
When COVID-19 hit, the struggle to find reliable, safe care for Riley became nearly impossible. The lowest moment came when I was told my only option was to place him in a group home two hours away. That suggestion made it painfully clear how broken the system truly is for families like mine.
These experiences are why I am committed to building a state-of-the-art residential community for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a place where love, dignity, and support come first.
Our development will include comprehensive therapies such as physical, occupational, speech, and aquatic therapy. It will offer meaningful amenities like a theater to host family movie nights that also serves as a worship space on Sundays, and a salon to help residents feel confident and cared for. For individuals who can work, we will create employment opportunities that nurture independence and purpose.
And this is just the beginning. Riley’s Residence will be the first of many developments we plan to build across the United States. This is more than building a legacy, it’s creating a movement that will change the lives of families for generations.
With gratitude,
Michelle Short, Founder
