Meet Chantell
The life, love, and legacy behind Prism & Co. Publishing
The Sister Behind the Story
Chantell Baker was my big sister and one of the most unforgettable people you could ever meet.
As the oldest of five siblings, Chantell had a way of making an impression on everyone she encountered. She was known for her beautiful smile, her bold and loud personality, and her enormous heart. She made people feel welcome, loved, and seen in a way that was uniquely hers.
Chantell lived with Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS), but her life was never defined by her diagnosis. She was funny, loving, full of personality, and completely herself. She had her own way of experiencing the world, connecting with people, and bringing happiness into the lives of those around her.
And if you knew Chantell, you knew that her love was never small.
The Little Things That Made Chantell Special
Chantell had her own special interests and little things that could make her whole day.One of her biggest obsessions?
Cups. And bubble lids.
She absolutely loved getting new cups. A new cup was something to get excited about, and if it had a bubble lid, even better! It was one of those little things that made Chantell who she was. These might seem like ordinary things to someone else, but to Chantell, they brought genuine happiness.
She also had her own ways of communicating when something was starting to bother her or when she was feeling overstimulated. One of her familiar stimming behaviors was rubbing her face really hard. It was one of the ways we came to recognize that she might be uncomfortable or overwhelmed.
A Life Filled With Purpose
Community Living
For 18 years, Community Living was part of Chantell's life.
Community Living provides opportunities for people with disabilities to learn, grow, build skills, participate in recreational activities, and become involved in their communities. Through its adult day program, Chantell had opportunities to take part in activities, develop everyday skills, and experience life alongside others in her community.
Her time there was an important part of her story. She wasn't simply someone receiving support; she was a person with interests, relationships, and contributions of her own
Marcy's Project
Through her community activities, Chantell also had opportunities to give back and help others. She helped with Meals on Wheels and folded clothes for Marcy's Project.
Marcy's Project is a nonprofit organization serving families in St. Charles County who are experiencing hardship. Through programs that provide food, clothing, hygiene products, and other essential resources, the organization helps families meet everyday needs with dignity. Its work is made possible through volunteers, donations, and community partnerships.
What makes this connection especially meaningful to our family is that Chantell was part of that spirit of helping others. She had opportunities to contribute to her community in her own way, whether she was helping prepare meals for others or folding clothes that would go on to serve local families.
These experiences are a reminder that people with disabilities aren't just members of our communities; they can be active participants who give, contribute, build relationships, and make a difference.
Chantell's life reminds us that a meaningful life isn't measured by how independently someone does things, how quickly they learn, or whether their life looks like everyone else's. Every person deserves opportunities to belong, contribute, build relationships, and be valued for who they are.
