The Mickey Family

Our beautiful daughter, Delaney Lynn, was born on March 20, 2003.  Delaney’s development was normal or above normal until about the age of 4 ½. This quote, “It’s the little things that make life BIG,” describes Delaney perfectly.  It didn’t take much to make Delaney happy.  Some of Delaney’s favorite things were: a trip to the mall or the local bookstore, Sheetz for a Slushee, Rita’s Ice for a mango gelati, a fudge stuffed cookie at Dairy Queen, or dinner at Chic-fil-A. Delaney LOVED food!!!!  She also enjoyed going to the local county fair each summer.  She loved spending time at the barn and enjoyed riding her favorite horse, Foalie.  Delaney loved school, riding the bus, and listening to her iPod. Delaney loved our yearly trips to the beach. She enjoyed swimming and boogie boarding in the ocean, looking for seashells and building sand castles.

Delaney loved music, and on the right day at the right time she would sing to us Taylor Swift, High School Musical, One Direction and anything else she loved. The singing was loud, slightly off-key, but sung from her heart.

At 4 ½, it was like Delaney had been struck with a bolt of lightning and the slow downward spiral began. OCD, anxiety, depression, insomnia and vision issues were the initial symptoms.  Delaney soon began to have learning difficulties and social problems with her friends and classmates. Her coordination decreased, behavior and sleep became more problematic and she struggled both at home and school. Right before our eyes we watched our child slowly being robbed of her life.

We spent many years searching for an answer to all of the declines.  Finally after extensive genetic testing, Delaney was diagnosed with juvenile Batten disease on June 9th, 2015. We were devastated and had so many unanswered questions. How will we handle the decline and eventual loss of our daughter? How will we handle all the medical needs, accessibility needs in our tiny, older home? How will we transport her to the places she needs to go once she is wheelchair bound? How will we care for her when she no longer is able to attend school? The questions seemed endless. We put our trust in God and prayed for wisdom, guidance and answers from Him. Although it wasn’t always easy, God provided and has taken care of our needs in ways that only He can.  “We are blessed”.

On January 21, 2019, Delaney lost her battle with juvenile Batten disease.  Through Delaney’s illness and struggles we have seen so much love, unity and compassion in many different ways. We have seen God’s love through the kindness that people have extended to our family. We have seen God unifying our community as people have rallied around our family during Delaney’s illness, her passing and first birthday in Heaven. We have seen God’s compassion in all those who have prayed and supported us in so many incredible ways.

God has a purpose for everyone He places on earth. We have often wondered why God put Delaney on this earth for only 15 years. Why did she suffer so much, and why was she taken away so early? We won’t know the answer for sure until we get to Heaven, but we feel Delaney’s purpose was to remind us all how we should live our lives each day.  We need to love unconditionally, strengthen each other through our trials and troubles and show compassion to those around us.

Our Journey

Delaney's Wish to See One Direction Comes True

The Make a Wish Foundation granted Delaney's wish to meet One Direction. The family flew to Milwaukee, WI, where they met the boy band, visited the zoo, and dined at Dave and Busters. "It was an absolutely amazing trip," says Delaney's Mom.

Delaney Supports Her Dear Friend and Miss West Virginia 2015

Soon after being crowned Miss West Virginia 2015, Chelsea Malone met with Delaney and her family, and they all became fast friends. Delaney was invited by Chelsea to attend the 2016 Miss West Virginia Pageant Ceremony at which time Chelsea passed on her crown to this year's winner.

Delaney Becomes a Grand Champion

Delaney's love of riding horses was no secret to her friends and family, as was her dream of winning Grand Champion at a horse show. Delaney's determination, together with the support of her family and riding instructor, Kina Davis, transformed that dream into a reality.

Ridgeley Rams Dance for Delaney

Delaney sang and danced alongside the Ridgeley Rams football team and cheerleaders, who organized the dance fundraiser in her honor.

Delaney Receives Rare Honor from WVU Mascot

While visiting Delaney's school, the West Virginia University mascot, the Mountaineer, surprised Delaney when he placed his trademark coonskin hat on her head. As huge WVU fans, Delaney and her family were tickled by the experience.

Christmas Caroling in Carpendale

Delaney's family joined by friends saddled up on nearly 15 horses—courtesy of Delaney's horse instructor—to spread Christmas cheer in the small town of Carpendale.

Applebee's Flapjack Fundraiser

Thank you to Delaney's Dream team for organizing the 2018 Applebee's Flapjack Fundraiser, and thank you to all those who supported the event.

Christmas Tree Lighting

At the invitation of the Carpendale Mayor, Casey Lambert, Delaney fulfilled the time-honored tradition of lighting the town's Christmas tree.

Frankfort Falcon Wrestling Team Honors Delaney's Memory

The Frankfort Falcon Wrestling Team wore teal socks to their match on Jan. 23 to honor Delaney's memory and raise awareness of Batten Disease.

Balloon Release in Memory of Delaney

Family and friends gathered to celebrate and release balloons on what would have been Delaney's 16th birthday.

Applebee's Flapjack Fundraiser

The community came together August 6, 2019 over a delicious breakfast to raise funds for Delaney's Dream. In total, almost $5,000 was raised.

Applebee's Flapjack Fundraiser

The community came together on January 4, 2020, over a delicious breakfast to raise funds for Delaney's Dream. At the end of the breakfast, $2,110 was raised!

Beyond Batten Disease Foundation was founded in 2008 to eradicate juvenile Batten disease by raising awareness and funds for medical research. Beyond Batten’s strategy brings together other affected families to connect communities and resources to achieve the goal. Delaney’s Dream is partnering with BBDF to find a cure for juvenile Batten disease so that we no longer lose children, like Delaney, to this disease.

Delaney’s Dream has a raised a total of:

$15,365

Contributor Comment
Randolph & Annette Peer In memory of Jean Dyson
Laurie Ferguson In memory of Jean Dyson
Theresa Easton In memory of Jean Dyson
David Kirk In memory of Jean Dyson
Karen & Craig Houdersheldt In memory of Jean Dyson
David Horner In memory of Jean Dyson
Janet Besser In memory of Jean Dyson
Elizabeth Schram In memory of Jean Dyson
Krista Rogan In memory of Jean Dyson
John Dyson In memory of Jean Dyson
Shelly Minnigh In memory of Jean Dyson
Hali Shockey In memory of Jean Dyson
Tyler Scott In memory of Jean Dyson
Alan Batchelor In memory of Jean Dyson
Catherine Kesner In memory of Jean Dyson
Donnie Mickey In memory of Jean Dyson
Kathy Brown Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Andrew Ferguson Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Lorri Rumberg Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Kristy Rogan Supporting Delaney’s Dream
John Dyson Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Steve Walker Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Roy Whiteman Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Eugene Merrill Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Short Gap Volunteer Fire Company In memory of Bobby Joe Westfall
Paulette Durbin In memory of Bobby Joe Westfall
Donald Anderson In memory of Bobby Joe Westfall
Jojacqueline Cooper In memory of Bobby Joe Westfall
ACPS (Allegany County Public Schools) Speech Department In memory of Bobby Joe Westfall
Gail Lambert In memory of Bobby Joe Westfall
Joseph Sank In memory of Bobby Joe Westfall
Debbie Hiett In memory of Bobby Joe Westfall
Jennifer Dyson In memory of Bobby Joe Westfall
Randi Agetstein In memory of Bobby Jo Westfall
Gateway West Church Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Bethany Wiles Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Esther Dee Blank Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Kristi Rogan Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Esther Dee Blank Supporting Delaney’s Dream
City Reach Church Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser Supporting Delaney’s Dream
John Pfeiffer Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Jennifer Hay In honor of Diana LaPosta
Roy Whiteman Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Staggers, Heare, & Whiteman Supporting Delaney’s Dream
School Therapy Services Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Frankfort Athletic Booster Club Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Robert Milne Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Andrew Rader Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Karen Harris Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Gregory Humberston Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Jennifer Vought Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Megan Ganoe Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Megan McKenzie Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Amy Paul Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Randy Riggs Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Pancake Breakfast Event A Community event supporting Delaney’s Dream.
Holy Cross Methodist Church Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Kandi Resh Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Connie Milligan Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Michele Martz Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Beth Bodnar Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Murtaza Amir Supporting Delaney’s Dream
West Side Elementary School Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Ann Getty Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Beall Elementary School Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Janet Mickey Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Old Furnace Church of the Brethren From Janet Pyles, Ed and Linda Weaver, Betty Spiggle for Hymn Sing
Brian Moreland Supporting Delaney’s Dream
David Whitacre Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Gregory Johnson Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Joseph Hall Supporting Delaney’s Dream
David Cox Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Cheryl Helmstetter Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Mark Kinsman Supporting Delaney’s Dream
St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Mia Cross Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Megan Ganoe Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Stuart Sommers Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Shannon Eberly Supporting Delaney’s Dream
John Williams Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Bruce Hanna Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Old Furnace Church of the Brethern Supporting Delaney’s Dream
John D. Griffith Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Charles Hiett Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Neal Riemenschneider Supporting Delaney’s Dream
James Jenkins Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Ronald Moomaw Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Mark Liller Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Jennifer Hay In memory of Diana LaPosta
Amy Cowgill Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Sara Milliron Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Hugh Felton Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Kristy Rogan Supporting Delaney’s Dream
David Bingham Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Frankfort Athletic Booster Club Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Suzie Triplett Supporting Delaney’s Dream
John Dyson Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Melissa Williams Supporting Delaney’s Dream
John Williams Supporting Delaney’s Dream
Catherine Kesner In memory of Bobby Jo Westfall