Adaptive Prosthetics and Orthotics first started seeing Alexis when she was about 4 years old. Alexis was born with Spinal Bifida, a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not form properly while in the womb. Now 19, she has shown nothing but determination over the years and our practitioners have been blessed to be a small part of the strong teen she has grown to become today. Recently, Chatelaine has started the fitting process with Alexis for the RGO. The Reciprocating Gait Orthosis brace brings stability, upright balance, and several physical functions for patients as they start to walk. “Chatelaine is the best, she is always so positive and has always kept me going”.
She is a typical growing teen: listening to music, TV, hanging out with friend’s and college classes. But she also has a passion for reading, writing, and motivational speaking. “I want to spread awareness and show support to all of the families, mothers, and children like me living with Spinal Bifida. I want them all to know that they are not alone and to never give up, always work hard, and to keep going no matter what”. Alexis gets her positive state of mind from the support of her family, famous wrestler John Cena; who has plenty of motivational quotes but the one that she continues to live by is “Never Give Up”, and from her favorite song “Fight Song” by artist Rachel Patten.
Alexis is a shy soft-spoken girl, but do not let that fool you! She is very strong and determined to face and overcome all odds in the way of her accomplishing her goal of walking. We are inspired by her perseverance and are looking forward to all the progress we know she will make with help of the RGO. The only way to truly put her progress and story into words, is to pull a verse straight from her favorite song:
Like a small boat
On the ocean
Sending big waves
Into motion
Like how a single word
Can make a heart open
I might only have one match
But I can make an explosion
We will be there for you every STEP of the way Alexis! Thank you for allowing us to share your story!
– The Adaptive PO team