Monday, March 15, 2010

Amelia's Story

Amelia
Age 8
Spina Bifida

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

Anyone trying to find the right words to describe Amelia should shy away from “cute” or “adorable.” This bubbly 9-year-old girl would rather be called “Amelia the Great,” a name she deserves.

Before Amelia was born, she was diagnosed with spina bifida, a neural tube defect in which the spinal cord does not develop properly. Along with that diagnosis came a host of other problems. In order to give their daughter the proper care and treatment, Amelia’s parents moved their family from Seattle to Cincinnati so Amelia could be treated at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

“Amelia on paper and Amelia in person is a completely different story. You expect to meet a sick, sad little girl, but you meet this hilarious, vivacious kid, telling you a joke,” said her mom.

Although spina bifida is a lifelong condition, Amelia continues to enjoy the same activities as other kids. She plays wheelchair soccer and is a cheerleader. She also enjoys yoga and telling her signature knock-knock jokes.

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