Palm Beach Gardens Lving - April 2026

There are 34,000 people in the United States diagnosed with ALS, with a prevalence of 10.1 for every 100,000 individuals according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shavie encourages everyone to know more and raise awareness about ALS by sharing her story and visiting als.org . If Shavie’s story inspires you to learn, share, or give, please contact the Foundation for Palm Beach State College to support students like Shaveeshka. ANDRIA M. CUNNINGHAM, MSW, CFRE PBSC FOUNDATION CEO EMAIL: cunninga@pbsc.edu PHONE: 954-330-5761 degree on Shavie’s behalf. Inspired by the strength of his wife, Dr. DuMornay has been moved by her refusal to be defined by the illness. “I can’t begin to describe what she’s accomplished. Education is extremely important to our family. It’s the one thing no one can take away from you. Part of our family motto is, ‘No retreat, no surrender,’ and Shavie lives by that.” Kyle, also a student at Palm Beach State College, served as his mom’s study buddy following her diagnosis, recalling when his mom would be up at midnight helping him with homework when he was in high school. “Now, I got to be on the other side, and it was fun. I’m proud of her.” As the commencement ceremony was being livestreamed, Shavie watched from her home in Coral Springs, moved to tears as her name was called and her husband and children received her degree award from Palm Beach State College President Ava L. Parker, JD. “Continuing my education gave me purpose during a time when everything felt uncertain. Palm Beach State also made all the difference. My professors, advisors, and classmates showed me so much patience and compassion. I felt supported, not pitied. That encouraged me to keep going, one class, one assignment, one small victory at a time.” A career medical professional, Shavie dreams of being a hospital CEO and establishing healthcare clinics in rural areas of the Caribbean, where health services are scarce. Defying the odds by her sheer will and spirit, cutting-edge treatments and therapy, Shavie is surrounded by a devoted family and circle of friends and caregivers who lovingly provide assistance. Anchoring the household is Shavie’s mother, Patricia Smith, whose steady presence provides strength and support for the family. Shavie wants others to spread awareness about ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, named after the famous baseball player from the 1930s) and the ALS Association, in order to advance research and treatments that improve outcomes for those affected. “I want everyone to know that people living with ALS are still here, thinking, feeling, dreaming. And I hope more people understand how vital compassion, awareness, and advocacy are in helping us live with dignity and purpose.” Focused on the future, Shavie plans to continue her education at the University of North Florida to pursue an Executive Master of Health Administration. Though ALS has affected her mobility, she remains active and engaged, using adaptive technology through a computer and mobile phone to communicate as well as the voices of others to express the essence of her remarkable perseverance. “ALS may change how we live life, but it cannot change who we are. Every person living with ALS has a story." This is Shavie’s, the inspiring journey of a mother of three exemplifying courage, resilience, and the power of education to rise above life’s greatest challenges. Dr. Wilson DuMornay and sons Kaleb and Kyle with PBSC President Ava L. Parker, JD. Friend Cheryl Campbell, daughter Kayla DuMornay, mom Patricia Smith, and friend Sheree Vanterpool celebrate Shavie's graduation, viewing the livestream from home A P R I L 2 0 2 6 | PA L M B E A C H G A R D E N S L I V I N G 11