GREAT BARRINGTON — A remarkable community effort transformed Shelby Lewis’s 20th birthday into a heartfelt celebration, thanks to the generosity of both friends and strangers. Shelby, who has cerebral palsy and is nonverbal, received an outpouring of birthday cards and gifts following a social media call for cards from her sister, Rose Lewis.
On November 19, 2023, Rose posted on Facebook about Shelby’s love for mail, inviting anyone interested to send a card. The response exceeded all expectations. “I’m just so grateful for everyone who took the time to send my sister something,” Rose expressed. “It means so much to all of us. Shelby has loved all of it.”
Heartfelt Responses from the Community
The community’s support came in the form of over 20 cards, many crafted with creativity and care. Friends, family, and even complete strangers contributed to the celebration, demonstrating a sense of unity and kindness. One card played music and lit up, while another featured a photoshopped image of Shelby’s face. Some individuals even delivered gifts in person, including balloons and a card.
“A lot of these people I’ve never seen or talked to before; my sister knew some, but they just showed up for her,” Rose said. The family hung the cards on the wall, creating a vibrant display that added to the festivities. Shelby’s mother, Lisa Handsell, stated that although Shelby is nonverbal, she is very aware of her surroundings, making the experience even more meaningful.
The kindness didn’t stop at cards. Shelby received a gingerbread house, a painted rock, and a light-up backpack filled with coloring books. “I looked out there one time, and somebody had put something on the steps and was booking down the driveway before I got outside,” said Sumner Lewis, Shelby’s father.
A Lasting Impact
Even after her birthday, the generosity continued. Cards kept arriving, and one person even reached out to Rose to inform her of an upcoming package. In response, Shelby created thank-you cards to send to each contributor, ensuring she acknowledges their kindness.
“There are still nice people, no matter what’s going on at the moment,” Sumner remarked. “There’s so much negative, but there’s still a lot of positive.” This experience served as a reminder for the family about the goodness present in their community. Alongside well-wishers from afar, many familiar faces joined the celebration. Shelby’s bus driver edited a photo of a school bus with Shelby’s image, while her care team and school nurse participated in the festivities, providing support as she opened her gifts.
The overwhelming support from the community not only made Shelby’s birthday special but also reinforced the idea that positivity can thrive even amidst challenges. “It’s so easy to tune into the negative,” Sumner noted. “But then you see that there are still people who are in tune with being happy for a minute.”
The Lewis family’s story is a testament to the power of community spirit and the impact of small acts of kindness, reminding all that genuine connections can uplift and inspire.
