We are not alone: Support Aalyiah

As we approach our one year anniversary at PhysioFit of North Carolina, we thought what better way to celebrate than by giving back.   If you have ever had the chance you meet Aaliyah, her sweet smile and personality warms your heart and reminds you of the simple beauties found in daily life.  However we know some people deal with more struggles and pain than anyone knows, and we want to help. 

Aaliyah was born with Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome). Even though she has Down’s syndrome she doesn’t let that get her down! Aaliyah has a big personality all bottled up in that tiny body. That personality and good spirit has gotten her through countless hospitalization. At age 5 months it was discovered Aaliyah had complete tracheal rings. This makes it more difficult for her to fight off simple colds that most babies can get over at home. Since Aaliyah attended daycare full time she was susceptible to getting colds frequently. Along with tracheal rings Aaliyah has a “floppy airway” which led to her aspirating milk into her lungs when she would drink from a bottle. Due to her aspirating liquids in her lungs Aaliyah has to be fed directly in her stomach through a G-tube. Aaliyah spent the first year and a half of her life in and out the hospital at least once a month. Thus far she has had 2 procedures to repair the hole in her heart and to install her G-tube so she could eat. Now at 20 months Aaliyah is doing better but still going to need a major surgery to fix her tracheal rings. Throughout her hospital visit Aaliyah has always been happy and very strong. She doesn’t let her hospitalizations or Down syndrome dim her light.

Please consider donating as every little bit helps with medical bills, food on the go, or simply teddy bears and toys to bring a smile to a growing little girl.