The following post is dedicated to two special angels who will always live in my heart: Ibby & Emma. I will love and cherish you forever!
As a mom of two, I know firsthand that raising tiny humans is one of the biggest blessings on earth. While children are a gift, they also come with an abundance of built-in responsibility. For parents of children with special needs, those responsibilities are even greater.
That’s why Shari Bailey created Laila’s Gift, a nonprofit that provides free birthday and milestone celebrations for children with disabilities. The Maryland-based mom of 10-year-old twins wanted to bring joy to the families of children while eliminating the burden and stress of party planning for busy parents.
Photo courtesy of Laila’s Gift: Shari Bailey with her husband and twin daughters.
Named after her daughter, Laila, who was diagnosed with Jacobsen Syndrome at birth, Laila’s Gift has helped more than 1,000 families in Maryland. Now the nonprofit aims to brighten even more birthdays nationwide. Each decorated box is hand-delivered and contains party essentials, personalized gifts, and even a cake to make a festive and unforgettable celebration.
Photo courtesy of Laila’s Gift
I recently spoke with Bailey to learn more about her inspiration behind the nonprofit, what she wants other parents of children with disabilities to know, and more.
Below, check out our Q&A:
BGG: Why did you start Laila’s Gift?
SB: I was driven to start Laila’s Gift to provide families of children with special needs the essential support and resources they desperately require. While many organizations focus on transition services for older youth, I recognized a critical gap in resources available for young children. It’s not just about helping the child; it’s about uplifting the entire family, ensuring they have access to the tools and emotional support needed to thrive. I believe that every family deserves the chance to flourish despite the challenges they face, and Laila’s Gift aims to bridge that gap.
BGG: Was there a specific moment when you knew that you had to start Laila’s Gift or was it always something in the back of your mind?
Shari Bailey: There was indeed a defining moment that ignited the spark for Laila’s Gift. After navigating my own challenges as a parent of a child with special needs, I was struck by the profound lack of support and resources available to families like mine. This realization fueled my passion to create something meaningful—a beacon of hope and assistance for those who needed it most. I often reflect on how, before the birth of my twins in 2014, I never envisioned starting a nonprofit. However, my journey with Laila unveiled my true purpose, and I felt a deep calling to make a difference in the lives of others facing similar struggles.
BGG: What is your professional background? Did you have experience in non-profit work prior to starting Laila’s Gift?
SB: With over 25 years in product development and quality assurance within the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, I have dedicated my career to helping bring life-changing products to market for patients in need. Little did I know that my greatest patient would be my own daughter, Laila. Prior to founding Laila’s Gift, my experience in the nonprofit realm was limited to volunteering, but my personal journey as a mother has equipped me with the skills and passion necessary to advocate for others. While I may not have had formal nonprofit experience, my experience in business management and commitment to making a difference has propelled my growth in this field.
BGG: What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced with Laila’s Gift?
SB: The journey of establishing Laila’s Gift has not been without its hurdles. The biggest challenge has been securing sustainable funding to grow our services and reach more families in need. Nonprofit work often relies on donations and grants and navigating this landscape while ensuring we can meet the diverse needs of families is a constant struggle. However, with every challenge, I am reminded of the importance of community support and the collective power we must create change.
BGG: What’s been the most rewarding aspect of launching Laila’s Gift?
SB: The most rewarding aspect has been witnessing the profound impact we have on the lives of families. Hearing their stories of hope and seeing their smiles at our celebrations reinforces why I started this organization. There’s a unique magic that unfolds during these moments—children experiencing their first birthday party, friends celebrating together, and families creating cherished memories. Laila’s Gift is honored to be part of so many “firsts,” and it fills my heart with joy to know we are making a difference.
BGG: Did you learn anything about yourself while getting Laila’s Gift off the ground? If so, what surprised you the most?
SB: I discovered that I am not alone in my struggles; there are countless families celebrating in silence, facing similar challenges. The launch of Laila’s Gift revealed just how many families share in the joy of milestones, both big and small. Each victory matters, and together, we can lift one another up and create a supportive community that celebrates every achievement.
BGG: What can recipients of Laila’s Gift expect? Describe the overall experience.
SB: The Celebration in a Box is a heartwarming experience that brings joy directly to families’ doorsteps. Each box is filled with gifts, balloons, party favors, engaging activities for siblings, resources for caregivers, and, of course, cake! It’s a tangible reminder that families are not alone in their journey and that we are here to celebrate their milestones. The best part? Families do not have to pay a thing to receive this gift of celebration—every Celebration in a Box is made possible through the generosity of our donors and sponsors.
BGG: What’s been the feedback from families who’ve been fortunate to be recipients of Laila’s Gift?
SB: The feedback from families has been overwhelmingly positive, often filled with tears of gratitude and joy. Many express how our support alleviates their burdens and fosters a sense of community. Families are deeply moved by the thoughtfulness of our services, and it warms my heart to know that we are bringing hope and happiness into their lives.
BGG: What do you want other parents with children with special needs to know?
SB: To all the parents out there: you are not alone. There is a community of support waiting for you, and it’s vital to seek help, share your experiences, and connect with others who understand your journey. Having a child with special needs can feel daunting, but we can overcome any battle together. Our children are gifts, and their unique perspectives enrich our lives in ways we may not yet realize.
BGG: What advice can you give parents who have other children in addition to their child with special needs? How important is it to maintain balance?
SB: Maintaining balance is essential for every family. It’s important to dedicate time and attention to all your children, ensuring they feel loved and valued. Open communication about challenges and celebrating each child’s unique strengths fosters a supportive environment. Siblings of children with special needs often embody incredible compassion and resilience; recognizing their kindness and ensuring they have quality time is crucial for their emotional well-being.
BGG: In your experience, what is the biggest misconception about children with disabilities?
SB: A significant misconception is that children with disabilities are defined solely by their challenges. In reality, they possess unique talents and capabilities that should be celebrated. Laila, for instance, does things her way—she may not walk down the steps like others, but she has found her own path from point A to point B. Her determination inspires me daily, and it’s essential to recognize the incredible strengths that children with disabilities bring to the world.
BGG: How can people get involved and help Laila’s Gift?
SB: There are numerous ways to get involved and support Laila’s Gift! Whether it’s volunteering your time, donating, or simply spreading the word about our mission, every contribution counts. “Celebrators” are the heartbeat of our organization, and we welcome anyone who wants to join us in making a meaningful impact. Our website provides detailed information on how to get involved, and we would be thrilled to have you as part of our community.
BGG: What does the future hold for Laila’s Gift?
SB: The future is bright and filled with eye-catching confetti! We envision expanding our services and reaching a wider community, developing new programs that provide support and resources to families. With our new national initiative, we aspire to spread smiles and kindness across the nation through our celebrations, creating a ripple effect of joy and support for families everywhere.
BGG: Is there anything that you’d like to add that we didn’t cover?
SB: I want to emphasize the incredible power of community. Together, we can create a nurturing environment for families of children with special needs. I invite everyone to join us in this mission to make a difference—together, we can uplift and inspire one another, celebrating every milestone and creating a brighter future for all. Let’s celebrate one gift at a time!
For more information about Laila’s Gift, please click here.
Do you volunteer or donate to any nonprofits? If so, how does giving back make you feel?
