Monica was born without the ability to swallow, spent her first 6 months in the hospital and had a tracheotomy and feeding tube until she 14 years old. She was diagnosed at 2 years old. After many years of treatments, procedures, therapies, surgeries and a lot of other interventions, she is becoming a remarkable young woman. It took her a lot longer to reach miletones and achieve things that came easily to her typical peers, but she danced and earned a brown belt in american kempo karate! She loves school, and can now advocate very well for her own special education needs. She also likes reading, writing creative stories and enjoys musicals, theater, pop music and so much more! Our kids are amazing and given the opportunity can do all kinds of wonderful things!