At 13 months, Abby Anderson was diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease. Her ability to defy any limitations posed by her disability epitomizes perseverance and defeats stereotypes. Despite frequent doctor visits, 10-year-old Abby’s courageous spirit inspires those around her as her fierce and joyful nature shines through.
Abby enjoys playing on the playground at ARISE at the Farm, an accessible, inclusive recreation center located on a horse farm in Chittenango that focuses on the needs and interests of individuals with disabilities.
HKAFO, a hip-knee-ankle-foot-orthosis, helps Abby maintain an upright position while centering the knee joint. As a patient of Shriners Hospitals for Children in Montreal, these $8,000 braces are covered.
The inclusive nature at Canastota Middle School allows Abby to participate in all daily activities and tasks including her favorite subject, Chorus. She regularly belts out the tunes to her favorite songs, knowing every single word.
Linda George, Abby's aide at Canastota Middle School, helps Abby complete an in-class asignment.
With high side rails, the KayserBetten bed was built to meet Abby's individual needs by providing an environment that is safe and protective. The bed cost $22,000 and was not covered by insurance, but funded through a grant by United Cerebral Palsy.
Because her right leg is longer than her left, lifts were added to all of Abby's shoes. Each lift costs $180. Her parents must pay for this out of pocket.
Abby's adoptive mother, Michele Anderson, is a pediatric nurse at Interim Health Care. Michele's hands-on experience in the field puts her at an advantage as the primary caretaker.
Abby uses a nebulizer, which delivers Xopenex and Pulmicort to treat her asthma.
Michele sits in discontent with Abby and her older brother, Duncan, while reviewing the bill for Abby's brand new wheelchair. The high cost in materials to maintain Abby's quality of life often weighs a heavy burden on the Anderson's financial situation.
Two years ago, bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA) were surgically implanted into Abby's skull bone behind her ear, providing the transmission of sound via direct bone conduction. After turning on her BAHAs, Abby shrieks in pain from the feedback sound.
Plates were surgically placed in Abby's right knee to stop the right leg from growing in hopes of the left leg catching up. The “guided growth” plate is a figure-eight shaped device that allows gradual correction of a deformity.
The amount of love Michele has for Abby is unconditional. Though Abby's condition often leaves her on edge, Michele is thankful to have Abby in her life.
