Laney McGowan, the 6-year-old from Sayville with Dravet syndrome who has been battling the effects of stroke following life-support treatment of a heart and lung infection, has been recovering at Blythdale, a rehabilitation center in Westchester, since the end of January.

Mother Tiffany has been dutifully posting regular updates of Laney’s progress on social media.

Some merchandise, in the form of T-shirts and rubber bracelets, has been given out by Laney’s family with the words “Laney’s Army” written across.

Father Jason was so overwhelmed with the support of the community (a GoFundMe for the family has reached over $75,000) that he ordered the bracelets as a show of thanks to Laney’s supporters.

On Feb. 2, the family celebrated Laney being able to pick up a small toy with her left hand (her stroke occurred on the right side of her brain) and hold the object for a few seconds.

A therapist aided her by holding her left elbow to provide stability to her arm.

In addition, Laney received a mobile stander that afternoon that is used twice a day, once with an aide and then also during her PT sessions.

“This will help Laney strengthen critical motor skills so she can progress toward standing independently. Keep going, Laney Girl!” wrote Tiffany.

At the end of her grueling first week of physical therapy, Tiffany said that the intensive rehab was “hard work disguised with fun” and that Laney “really enjoyed her PT session.”

After her first week, Laney was able to ride a bike all around the hallways of her wing, with some assistance.

She continued to struggle with her left hand, as she was constantly taking her right hand to grab her left hand to place it on the handle bars.

A customized wheelchair in Laney’s favorite color (purple) was also delivered to her. 

Without therapies for the weekend, the McGowan family was able to visit and spend time with Laney while she recovered from the physical therapy.

On Feb. 6, Laney was able to walk up and down stairs after she insisted on trying. Her therapist said, “I’m inspired by Laney’s determination.”

That same day, Laney was able to pull herself up in a kneeling position from a prone one while Tiffany was getting her clothes prepared. “Now I literally can’t take my eyes off of her because before I know it, she will be trying to get out of bed.”

The next day, Laney was given a brace for left leg, which provided her with some more control and balance. Tiffany warned her audience that the bruises on Laney’s arms and legs were from Lovenox injections she receives twice daily. Lovenox is used to prevent blood clots.

“Each day I leave Laney’s therapies amazed at what she accomplishes… I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings! Laney girl, you are our little rock star,” said Tiffany.

Feb. 9 was a big day for Laney, as in any Long Islander’s life, as she had her first-ever egg sandwich after her nasogastric tube was taken out. That afternoon, Laney was able to play in a matted physical therapy room, where she loved the swing. “By the end of the session, it didn’t look like a swing anymore, but more like she was riding a mechanical bull,” said Tiffany.