Charlotte is a 9-year-old girl who loves to sing and dance. She loves animals (especially lizards), loves playing flag football, and would love to be a cheerleader one day.
Charlotte was born with a condition called spina bifida. Spina bifida is a birth defect where the spinal cord does not close completely during pregnancy. This leaves an opening in the spine, exposing the spinal cord and nerves.
Charlotte also has hydrocephalus (excessive fluid in the brain), and a condition called Chiari malformation, which causes extreme headaches, neck pain, and can affect coordination and muscle tone.
Charlotte has had 3 separate back surgeries to address the spina bifida complications. She also had an ETV surgery that implanted a shunt to help drain the excess fluid from her brain. However, the shunt has had complications at various times and has resulted in Charlotte being emergency airlifted to Portland many times.
Charlotte overcomes many medical hurdles daily and has done many therapies over the years. When she is feeling well, she is one of the happiest people to be around. She exudes joy and really enjoys life. Charlotte hopes her story will encourage others to be courageous and to always keep fighting.
Charlotte will be adopted as a Sparrow to McLoughlin Middle School. MAC students will work hard to earn money for Charlotte through sponsored community service.
