Sunshine Smiles Academy

The 4yo class had some fun in the garden today! They picked cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and some okra. 😗🤌🏼

We wanted to share a quick update on Ethan and continue asking for your prayers.

Ethan was able to go home for a few days, but when he returned to the hospital this week, his doctors found that his bloodwork wasn’t quite where they were hoping it would be. They are looking for his cancer levels to continue decreasing while also seeing his white blood cell count come back up, and unfortunately his numbers weren’t progressing the way they had hoped.

Because of that, Ethan will now be participating in a two-month clinical study using a different medication. This treatment can be challenging, as every child responds differently, but we are praying that it is exactly what Ethan needs. If, after these next two months, his doctors aren’t seeing the progress they’re hoping for, the next step in his treatment journey would likely be a bone marrow transplant.

Please continue to lift Ethan, the Riddle family, and his medical team up in prayer. Pray for strength, healing, comfort, wisdom for his doctors, and that this new treatment works beautifully for Ethan.

We have also had many people ask how they can continue to help. At this time, gift cards are one of the most helpful ways to support the family, as they provide flexibility for meals, travel, and unexpected expenses throughout Ethan’s treatment.

As always, Sunshine Smiles Academy is still very much wanting and willing to help coordinate support for the Riddle family in any way we can. If you would like to help or have questions about donating, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for continuing to surround this precious family with so much love, generosity, and prayer. Every kind gesture makes a difference, and we are incredibly grateful for this amazing community. ❤️

SSA PRAISE REPORT:

After 135 days spent in the NICU at Big Duke, Daniel is finally with his family at HOME!

The Beraldo family wants to let everyone know how thankful they are for all the love, prayers, and support given to their family over the last 135 days. God is good! 🤍

SSA June Spotlight: MRS. JUNE! ☀️ 🤍

1. What inspired you to work in child care?

I’ve always enjoyed being around children and have spent many years working with them through church ministries and camps. When I was told that I would never be able to have children of my own, it strengthened my desire to work with and care for children even more. Being able to positively impact their lives has been an incredible blessing and one of the greatest rewards of my life.

2. What’s your favorite children’s book to read during story time?

Goodnight Moon is my favorite children’s book to read. I also love letting the children choose their favorite books and reading those with them. Seeing their excitement and hearing them talk about the stories they love makes story time even more special.

3. Do you have a favorite memory from your time working here?

My favorite memories are watching children grow and learn as they move up through the classrooms. I love seeing them learn their animals, shapes, colors, and ABCs, and watching their confidence grow along the way.

One of my most special memories was working with a little boy who learned to recite the Pledge of Allegiance word for word. After he learned it, we shared a video of him saying it on Sunshine Smiles’ page. Knowing that I helped teach him something he was so proud of, and seeing the joy it brought to so many people, is a memory I’ll always treasure.

4. What’s your go-to activity to keep the kids engaged and happy?

My go-to activities are songs, dancing, and marching because they keep the children active and engaged. I love incorporating movement into the classroom throughout the day. The children especially enjoy activities like “Going on a Bear Hunt” and “Going on a Reindeer Hunt.” Watching them participate, have fun, and learn at the same time is one of my favorite parts of the job.

5. What’s a fun fact about you that your coworkers might not know?

A fun fact about me is that I love watching true crime shows and movies. I enjoy programs like 20/20 and Dateline, but I also love a good romantic movie. It’s one of my favorite ways to relax when I’m not at work.

6. How do you like to spend your weekends?

I love spending time with my family most of all. I especially enjoy spending time with Kim, Wendy, Pam, Amber, and Erin—my girls. We love going shopping, finding great deals, browsing different stores, and just enjoying each other’s company. Whether we’re bargain hunting, sharing a meal, or simply laughing and making memories together, those moments are what make my weekends so special.

7. What’s the funniest thing a child has ever said to you?

One of the funniest things a child ever said to me was that my skin was “spongy.” Children are so honest and say exactly what’s on their minds, and I couldn’t help but laugh. It completely caught me off guard! Moments like that are part of what makes working with children so much fun—they have such a unique way of seeing the world.

8. What do you love most about being part of our daycare team?

What I love most about being part of this daycare team is that it truly feels like family. Family is very important to me, and I enjoy working with people who support, encourage, and care about one another. We work together, help each other, and celebrate each other’s successes. Being part of a team that feels like family makes coming to work enjoyable and creates a positive environment for both the staff and the children. That’s one of the greatest rewards of working here.

“Poppin’ with Pops” is live now in our foyer. SSA dads, please stop by between 2:30-5:30 for your popcorn + soda of choice 🍿🥤 We appreciate you all, and Happy Father’s Day!

Tomorrow from 2:30-5:30!! Dads, make sure to pick up tomorrow afternoon- we have a special treat for you guys 🍿🥤

Many of you know the Riddle family through our school community, while others may not know them personally but have followed along with our preschool family over the years.

A few weeks ago, 4-year-old Ethan Riddle was diagnosed with leukemia. Since then, he has already undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy and is expected to remain at Duke Children's Hospital for at least the next month as he continues treatment.

Ethan is missing home, his friends, and especially his twin brother, Miles, and older brother, Auggie. Meanwhile, Sarah and Chris are balancing life between the hospital and home while caring for all three boys and navigating an incredibly difficult season.

As a community, we'd love to help lighten the load wherever we can.

We are currently collecting items to create care packages for Ethan, Sarah, and Chris at the hospital, as well as a basket for Miles, Auggie, and the caregivers helping at home.

Some items that would be especially appreciated include:
• Size 6 pajamas (Ethan loves Spider-Man)
• Ball caps or comfortable hats
• Snacks and treats for Ethan
• Snacks for Mom and Dad during long hospital days
• Gift cards for Food Lion, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, Dunkin', DoorDash, gas stations, and grocery stores
• Hot Wheels, fire trucks, Spider-Man toys, coloring books, activity books, and small treats for Miles and Auggie

One thing Ethan has shared is how much he misses his friends from school. Cards, drawings, pictures, and short video messages would mean so much to him right now.

We are also working on setting up a GoFundMe to help ease some of the financial burden that comes with a lengthy hospital stay and ongoing treatment. More information on that will be shared soon.

Whether you know the Riddle family personally or simply feel moved to help, every act of kindness makes a difference. A gift card, a package, a note of encouragement, a prayer, or even sharing this post can help remind them that they are not walking this road alone.

While the road ahead may not be easy, we know that Ethan and his family are going to come through this stronger than ever, supported by the love, prayers, and encouragement of an incredible community.

If you would like to help, have questions, or are looking for other ways to support the family, please feel free to reach out to me directly.

Thank you for helping us love on the Riddle family during this difficult time. 🤍

Beautiful things are growing over at SSA! 🪏🍓🫐🥒🫛🍉 Stay tuned for what we’re hoping to be a bountiful harvest..

A big shout out to our newest part-time employee, and full time SSA gardener, Ms. Kristi B!

As things start to grow in the garden, we are super excited to get some of our older kids out there to participate in collecting the fruits and veggies, help water plants, etc! Kristi even has a couple of cute games planned to make it a super sweet experience for the kiddos. 🤍

What Is a Mother?💐🩷

A mother is the first hello, the heartbeat in the night,
Strength wrapped in softness, guiding with quiet light.
She’s midnight stories, morning hugs, and dreams she helps come true,
Bandages on scraped knees, and “I believe in you.”
Through every storm she stands, with love that never ends—
Teacher, healer, protector, and forever our best friend.
Happy Mother’s Day to every mother’s heart.
Thank you for being everything… right from the start. 💐🩷

FREE COFFEE FOR ALL OUR MAMAS TOMORROW!

Be sure to come out so we can share our “Mother’s Day love” with ya! 🤍 Betty’s will be at SSA from 8-9:30 tomorrow, May 8th.

Betty’s Coffee Co.