About Shine for Sullivan
Sullivan’s Story
At just one year old, Sullivan Brooke Smith has already shown the kind of strength that humbles even the strongest among us. Born with a bright spirit and an infectious smile, Sullivan is lovingly called her family’s “Sunshine.” Her joyful presence lights up every room — and her favorite song, “My Girl,” couldn’t be more perfect:
“I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day…” During the toughest parts of her hospitalizations, she loves it when her family sings "My Girl" by The Temptations to her.
Shortly after turning 9 months old, Sullivan’s journey took an unexpected turn. She began experiencing seizures and was soon diagnosed with Infantile Spasms — a rare and severe form of epilepsy that affects babies in their first year of life. Since then, Sullivan has endured an incredibly difficult medical journey, including five hospitalizations at Duke totaling more than 30 days in the hospital.
Over the past few months, she has bravely undergone treatment after treatment — including high-dose steroids, ACTH injections, Vigabatrin, IVIg infusions, and a strict ketogenic diet — yet the seizures persist. Still, Sullivan fights on, surrounded by an extraordinary medical team at Duke including neurologists, neurosurgeons, nephrologists, radiologists, and geneticists, all working to uncover the root cause and determine the best path forward. She also works with physical, occupational, speech, and play therapists to support her development and give her every opportunity to thrive.
Through it all, Sullivan shines.
Why We Shine for Sullivan
Watching a child endure so much at such a young age is heartbreaking — and yet, Sullivan and her family continue to move forward with courage, faith, and grace. As a community, we wanted to show them they are not walking this road alone.
That’s how Shine for Sullivan was born.
This is more than a fundraiser — it’s a movement of hope, prayer, and love. We chose the word “Shine” because it captures everything Sullivan is to us: a bright, beautiful light even on the darkest of days. It’s also a call for us to reflect that light back to her and her family — through support, encouragement, and tangible help as they face this battle.
Join Us – June 21
On Saturday, June 21, we’re coming together at The Eastover Ball Park for a special community event in Sullivan’s honor. The day will include:
Steps for Hope Walkathon
The Hope Rally Pickleball Tournament
Sweets for Sullivan Bake Sale
Every step taken, every serve played, every dollar raised helps ease the burden for the Smith family and lifts up Sullivan with the power of love and prayer.
Let’s come together as a Community of Hope. Let’s be part of her fight.
Let’s Shine for Sullivan.
Take Part in Shine for Sullivan
Steps of Hope Walkathon
Hope Rally Pickleball Tournament
Hope Rally Pickleball Tournament
The Steps of Hope Walkathon is a great event for everyone! Come out and walk at the Eastover Community Park Walking Trail and Shine for Sullivan! Make a donation of $25 or more and receive a t-shirt; walk solo or as a team! You can also create a team and raise money together!
Hope Rally Pickleball Tournament
Hope Rally Pickleball Tournament
Hope Rally Pickleball Tournament
The Hope Rally Pickleball Tournament is a great opportunity to play in a tournament for a great cause! Grab a parter and sign up for the Men’s or Women’s 3.0, 3.5, or 4.0 brackets! If you are not a player come by and cheer on our competitors!
Sweets for Sullivan Bake Sale
Hope Rally Pickleball Tournament
Sweets for Sullivan Bake Sale
You will not want to miss the opportunity to purchase sweets from the Sweets for Sullivan Bake Sale! We have some of the best bakers around showing up and bringing some of their best sweets for all to enjoy!