Dressed in red with a matching hair bow, 3-year-old Marley Kay decorated cookies, opened gifts, and posed with Santa – which have become cherished annual traditions at Spartanburg Regional’s Pediatric Rehabilitation Services. 

“Where are the reindeer's antlers?” asked Stephanie Duke, Marley Kay’s physical therapist, as she pointed to two pretzels on an iced cookie. 

Moments like these are part of a beloved tradition that has brightened the lives of pediatric rehab patients for more than two decades. 

Through the Spartanburg Regional Foundation, the Judy Bradshaw Pediatric Rehab Fund has long supported an annual Christmas celebration for pediatric rehab patients to enjoy. 

Born with spina bifida — a condition affecting spinal development — Marley Kay has faced challenges since birth. 

“We were very scared of what the future would hold,” said Laura Poole, Marley Kay’s mother. “After 44 days in the NICU we brought her home. She has been coming to Stephanie and peds rehab ever since.” 

As she has grown and conquered new developmental milestones, the family has come to regard the therapists as part of their own family. The team working with Marley Kay and other patients are passionate about building relationships and watching their patients grow up, they said. 

“We have just seen the goodness of God and what a miracle she is. We have also seen how much God has worked through Stephanie to help her,” Poole said. “And now she talks non-stop and is just all over the place.” 

Marley Kay’s grandmother, Janice Whittle, worked in peds rehab for years, so it was clear from the start where Marley Kay would receive physical therapy. 

“I’ve watched these therapists. I know this is more than a job for them. They really care about these kids. They love these children,” Whittle said. “Now I’m blessed that they are taking care of my own granddaughter.” 

Duke, who has been Marley Kay’s therapist since birth, said her patients are like family. Watching them grow and make incredible strides through the years is so rewarding, she said. 

During the Christmas festivities, every pediatric rehab patient received a hand-selected wrapped gift and had a photo taken with Santa. 

The effort to bring cheer to patients and their families was the vision of the late Judy Bradshaw, a philanthropist whose generosity has benefited thousands of children throughout the years.  

For families like Marley Kay’s, this celebration is more than a holiday party — it’s a reminder of progress, hope and the community that surrounds them. 

To learn more about the Bradshaw Pediatric Rehab Assistance Fund or to make a charitable donation, visit RegionalFoundation.com/ways-give/patients-need.