Kaysia

When Kaysia came into this world, we had no idea what she (or us)was about to face. After discovering she contracted septicemia during delivery, she was rushed to the NICU. The next day we were informed she had the infection in her blood, a heart condition, and they were also sure she had Down syndrome. This came as a complete shock to us since we had a textbook pregnancy with no complications and we were both in our early 20′s with no risk factors to even be tested. Still, a test confirmed the diagnosis a week later, as she still lay in intensive care. Fast forward 5 years and we look at Kaysia today. She has gone through so much already: 8 surgeries, 3 hospital stays, severe and undiagnosed GI issues, ear disease, absorption issues, clostridia infections, and the list goes ! on. She did not walk until she was 43 months and still cannot run or jump. She was also diagnosed with sensory processing disorder. But NONE of this stops Kaysia from being who she is. She is amazingly confident, self-assured, and lights up any room she enters. She is also has incredible pre-literacy skills, and is able to sight read, recite phonetics, spell words from memory, partake in swimming and horseback riding lessons and gymnastics. We are still fighting for her health and we have never given up, even when the doctors have. Why? Because Kaysia showed us how to keep going no matter what obstacles come in your way. She has taught us to be more forgiving, patient, compassionate, and tenacious. We are simply better people because she is in our lives.