When Natalie was adopted at 15 months old, her parents were told she most likely had a heart condition which made her adoption a special needs case. Upon arriving in the US, and taking Natalie to St. Louis Children’s Hospital, they learned how unique Natalie truly is.
When Natalie was adopted as an infant, her parents knew she had special needs. She had previously been exposed to carbon monoxide, but her diagnosis is categorized as cerebral palsy due to the presentation of symptoms.
Natalie doesn’t let her wheelchair or communication device slow her determination or strong will. She’s passionate about sports like football, swimming, and basketball.
Each year, Natalie attends Camp Independence, a sports camp designed for kids with CP. It’s funded in part by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals of Greater St. Louis. Camp Independence has helped Natalie grow her self-confidence, learn how to adapt sports to fit her needs,and helps her accomplish many tasks children with CP are often told they cannot do.
While diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP), her condition is so rare, no doctor had ever seen someone survive never less thrive. Having been exposed to Carbon Monoxide as an infant, Natalie’s diagnoses is categorize as Cerebral Palsy because physically that is what it looks like but unlike most CP where damage is typically on the outside of the brain Natalie’s is in the center.
Natalie doesn’t let her wheelchair or the fact she uses a communication device stop her. She is strong willed and determined. She has a passion for sports and can been found most Sundays watching football (she can tell you all Tom Brady’s stats) as well as swimming and basketball.