Alyssa is aged 20 months from Coventry. She a shining example of joy, strength, and determination. Despite the overwhelming challenges she faces due to spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and paraplegia, Alyssa’s infectious smile and love for life never fades. She is particularly fond of ducks, finding endless joy in their waddles and quacks. This little girl’s love for life and her unwavering spirit continue to inspire everyone around her.

Born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, Alyssa underwent foetal surgery at 25 weeks to repair her spine, but her journey took a difficult turn before she made it to her first birthday. An open tract in her back led to a severe central nervous system infection that spread up her spine to the fourth ventricle in her brain. The infection caused her to undergo numerous surgeries, leaving doctors uncertain if she would survive. The neurosurgeons managed to remove the infection, but the damage was significant. Alyssa now faces paraplegia, cysts on her spine, and two large life-threatening cysts on the fourth ventricle of her brain.

Through it all, Alyssa has shown remarkable strength. She is slowly recovering, regaining some strength in her arms and fingers, and making small progress in her mobility. However, the road to recovery is long, and Alyssa still requires ongoing therapies, medical treatments, specialised equipment and further surgeries to support her progress. Home adaptions may well follow in a second separate campaign.

The funds raised will help provide these essential resources, giving Alyssa the chance to regain mobility, improve her health, and work toward greater independence. Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in Alyssa’s journey and help her move closer to a brighter future filled with health, happiness, and the simple joy of watching ducks.

Thank you for being part of Alyssa’s fight for mobility and wellness. With your support, she can hopefully take the steps toward a better tomorrow.

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