Meet Amaris!

 

 

Meet 16-year-old Amaris. She was diagnosed with two neurodegenerative disorders, Spastic Ataxia 4 and Basil Ganglia Calcifications. She is the only person in the world who has a combination of these two illnesses. These are not her only conditions. Amaris woke up one morning and her head was positioned at an awkward angle. She could not move or support her head. She was eventually diagnosed with cervical dystonia, a painful illness that causes neck muscles to contract involuntarily. Her biggest daily obstacle is mobility. Amaris is completely confined to a wheelchair. This limitation does not hinder her from being active and happy.

 

Amaris has many popular interests. She watches the Nancy Drew tv series. Her favorite film is the hilarious holiday classic, Elf. She likes the feeling of weightlessness while floating in a swimming pool. Amaris has visited several Orlando theme parks through the wonderful organization Give Kids the World. This young lady is an exemplary high school student, and her best subject is math. She is highly respected and loved in school. The softball coach even wants her to be the captain of the team. Unfortunately, Amaris does not have the appropriate transportation to attend the games and had to decline—she hopes someday to be their captain. Amaris, most importantly, has proven to be amazingly strong. She is a brave fighter who determinedly pushes through her obstacles. She has a silly sense of humor that always makes her mom laugh. Amaris has a one-of-a-kind combination of illnesses. She is, however, a one-of-a-kind teenager who inspires us all.

 

Amaris needs an adaptive stroller to make moving around town more comfortable and easier. Please be her sponsor!