Hi, My Name Is
Bethany

AGE:
8
Years Old.
Motto:
“YES I CAN”
Diagnosis:
Spina bifida, Chiari II malformation, epilepsy, nerve palsy
High School Team:
Dream Team:
Stony Point High School Tigers Dance Team
Favorite Things:
Adventure! The park, hiking, and shopping. Singing. Socializing. Cookies. Color-Blue
Bethany was diagnosed with Spina Bifida in utero. Following her birth, she underwent closure surgery and required a VP shunt for hydrocephalus. By nine months, she was diagnosed with Chiari II malformation and strabismus, necessitating surgery for the latter. Bethany gradually stopped eating and was diagnosed with "poor feeding." Despite months of feeding therapy, her condition worsened, culminating in a hospitalization.
Bethany's feeding issues led to a lengthy, and traumatic journey toward obtaining a feeding tube. In addition to her feeding difficulties, Bethany has also been diagnosed with epilepsy. As she grows older, the number of hospitalizations, tests, imaging, procedures, therapies, and medications continue to increase, presenting new challenges regularly.
Despite these hardships, Bethany remains incredibly happy and resilient. Her enduring positive spirit is a blessing, though the path remains long, emotional, and arduous.