TWO RIVERS BUDDY BALL
Taylor Vance is a vivacious and healthy 11-year-old fourth grader at Burns Elementary School.
Like many of her peers she likes movies, music and dancing. However, there is something special that sets Taylor apart, she has autism.
Taylor’s mom, Michelle, is mother to three beautiful daughters, including older daughters Whitney and Morgan. Because Taylor is the youngest it wasn’t completely clear to her that her child might be delayed. Michelle’s sister Tricia noticed when Taylor was 2 she was a little behind on her developmental milestones and she wasn’t speaking. With encouragement, Michelle decided to have further evaluation for Taylor.
It has been through early intervention and strong family support that Taylor thrives as a funny, outgoing and energetic young lady, despite autism. With a love for weatherman Wayne Hart, Michelle Vance may have a meteorologist in the family, by way of Taylor. Or perhaps a movie star as she quotes lines from the children’s movie Bedtime Stories, with much enthusiasm.
Her favorite music artist is Tim McGraw, but Michelle shares her love of music by introducing her to various 80’s artists, the band Journey being one. Each time Taylor hears, “Don’t Stop Believing” she exclaims, “Mom, that’s your song!” It’s amazing how that song has become somewhat of a metaphor for this family. They don’t stop believing, determined to find opportunities to help Taylor thrive.
When Taylor was in kindergarten Michelle received a notice for Two Rivers Buddy Ball (TRBB), a local sports program that accepts kids ages 5-20 with any physical or mental disability.
Michelle noticed that little was asked of participants and families. They must agree to abide by three attainable rules:
1. Have fun!
2. Don’t get hurt!
3. Go home tired!
It was going to be easy for Taylor and the family to abide by these rules. Michelle saw this as an opportunity for her daughter to be a part of a team that was unique, like Taylor. And for this UK basketball fan, it was no-brainer which sport she would play for TRBB.
Since 2008, Two Rivers Buddy Ball has been offering special needs children and their families sports opportunities through baseball, basketball fully equipped with cheerleaders, swimming, soccer, bowling and an annual fishing tournament. But most importantly, all of these activities are free to participants. The events provide a support system for parents, respite for families and a relaxing atmosphere that fosters fun for all.
It blesses Michelle to have the three wonderful daughters and to see the relationships that have formed within the girls. She says Taylor’s impact is seen in her older daughters daily. Middle sister Morgan is the “co-mother” with Michelle as she looks out for Taylor in life, while oldest Whitney has been so moved by Taylor’s TRBB experience that for her college internship she will be volunteering with the program. It’s beautifully evident that Taylor belongs to a team in her home and through Buddy Ball.
Through TRBB, Taylor is able to have a great experience in sports like other kids her age, while also receiving companionship and socialization she might not otherwise have, says Michelle. An even greater benefit is that Taylor and her teammates can be themselves, regardless of the needs they may have all while having fun.
Michelle says the smile on Taylor’s face, while playing Buddy Ball sports is priceless, she doesn’t want to miss a single game. This mom appreciates the dedication Buddy Ball coordinator, Billy Shain and his “team” put forth to support sports among all individuals. TRBB has given this family hope, all while swinging a bat, dribbling a basketball or casting for fish.
-Jaime Rafferty