Meet Annie, a fun, outgoing, and compassionate 12-year-old girl who loves all animals, especially her pet bunny, “Ollie.”
Annie was diagnosed first with Cerebral Palsy and started down a path of treatments only to realize the diagnosis was incorrect. Seven years later, Annie got a new diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth, or CMT.
CMT is a nerve disorder that makes Annie’s muscles weak, has caused a curvature in her spine, and makes fine motor movements (like writing) and gross motor movements (like walking/balancing) difficult for her.
CMT is progressive and degenerative, meaning that her muscles can’t get stronger; in fact, they will lose strength as time goes on.
Annie has gone through two major back surgeries to straighten her spine. They inserted metal pins and rods to hold everything in place.
Annie gets around her house by “surfing” the furniture – holding onto the walls, couches, and counters to stabilize herself as she walks.
She uses her walker for short distances outside her home, and a wheelchair for longer distances.
Despite all these medical challenges, Annie is always smiling, and dreams of changing the world by helping sick animals, fostering children with disabilities, and becoming a counselor when she grows up.
Annie will be adopted as a Sparrow to Crook County High School, in Prineville. Students will work hard to earn money for Annie through sponsored community service, supporting her and cheering her on as she and her family continue to navigate her medical journey.
