Our Story
The Reason Behind Buford Kids’ SPOT
For owner Deb Hughes, Buford Kids’ SPOT will always begin with her son, Daniel.
Before entering the therapy world, Deb’s career looked very different. She served in the U.S. Army, worked in satellite communications, and spent 20 years as an engineer. Then Daniel changed the direction of her life.
Daniel was diagnosed with Alexander disease, a rare neurological condition. At the time of his diagnosis, he was the only child in Georgia known to have the disease. As Deb learned to navigate life as the parent of a child with complex medical needs, that experience inspired her to return to school for Communication Sciences and Disorders and begin a new career in pediatric therapy.
Eventually, it led her to open Buford Kids’ SPOT in 2020.
Care Beyond the Therapy Session
Deb’s experience with Daniel is why the care at Buford Kids’ SPOT extends beyond what happens during a therapy session. She knows firsthand that families may also be navigating schools, equipment, waivers, healthcare systems, and countless questions about what comes next.
Today, Deb helps families navigate resources such as Katie Beckett and other waivers, advocates alongside them during the IEP process, and works to make sure they have people in their corner.
That same perspective shapes our practice as a whole. When a family comes through our doors, we want them to know their child will be known, valued, advocated for, and cared for as an individual.
Daniel’s Legacy Lives On
Daniel’s legacy continues through Daniel’s Fight, the nonprofit Deb created to support Alexander disease research, and through her work as a parent advocate within the Alexander disease community.
Since Daniel’s passing, Deb has poured her whole heart and soul into this work. That love and purpose remain at the center of Buford Kids’ SPOT and the families we serve.
It began with Daniel. Today, his life continues to shape the care we give every family who walks through our doors.