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. Affectionately known as her family’s “Sunshine,” Sullivan lights up every room with her joyful spirit and sweet smile. Her favorite song, “My Girl” by The Temptations, is a perfect match — and during hospital stays, her family often sings it to comfort her through the hardest moments: “I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day…”
Shortly after turning 9 months old, Sullivan’s journey took an unexpected turn when she began experiencing seizures. She was soon diagnosed with Infantile Spasms — a rare and severe form of epilepsy that strikes during infancy and can have a profound impact on development. Since then, she has endured five hospitalizations totaling over 30 days at Duke and a week at Boston Children's Hospital, undergoing high-dose steroids, ACTH injections, Vigabatrin, IVIg infusions, and a strict ketogenic diet — yet the seizures have persisted.
Despite it all, Sullivan continues to shine — smiling, laughing, and bravely pushing through each day. She has worked with an amazing team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, therapists, and specialists at both Duke and Boston Children’s Hospital, alongside dedicated physical, occupational, speech, vision, and play therapists.
Now, a new chapter begins.
After months of consultation, Sullivan has been scheduled for brain surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital. On July 21st, she will undergo a subtotal disconnection of her left temporal, occipital, and parietal lobes — a complex 8-hour procedure designed to stop the seizures by disconnecting the parts of her brain where the spasms originate. While this surgery carries serious and permanent impacts — including loss of peripheral vision in her right eye and some effects on memory and sensory processing — it offers the greatest hope for seizure freedom and a brighter future.
She will spend several nights in the ICU, followed by a hospital stay and close monitoring in Boston for about 2.5 weeks. Her recovery will be about two months, followed by an intensive therapy regimen to help her brain adapt and grow stronger. Through every hospital stay, every test, and every challenge — Sullivan shines.
And through it all, her family, friends, and community continue to shine for her. Thank you to everyone for their support of Sullivan through prayer, donation, and presence at the up and coming Shine for Sullivan Event. Let us all continue to rally around this sweet girl through faith, hope, and love!
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! https://app.pickleballden.com/external-tournament/6448177
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!