Ashley Duran
Sponsor: Behr Paint

New Jersey
Kaitlin (Age 8)
Spina Bifida

When Kaitlin of Manchester, N.J., was born with Spina Bifida, everyone said she’d have such sever complications she’d never perform the most basic tasks. She would never crawl, walk, see, hear, speak, learn or eat. Fortunately, no one ever told Kaitlin that.

This strong-willed little girl blazed past every physical hurdle and has become a brilliant, singing and dancing 8-year-old. Scars from her countless surgeries are not sad reminders of her trials; Rather, she calls them “trophies” of her triumphs over a genetic disorder that she conquers one day at a time.

Spina Bifida, a malformation of the spine and spinal cord, comes with a host of complications. Kaitlin has faced hydrocephalus, a tethered spinal cord; severe club feet; bowel, bladder and kidney problems; reflux; asthma; and paralysis of the lower legs.

“We celebrated every milestone with tears of joy for which others take for granted,” said Kaitlin’s mom. “Because of the excellent care and endless therapy sessions Kaitlin received at Children’s Specialized Hospital … Kaitlin began walking at the age of 2 without the use of a walker or crutches and just her short leg braces. She has been called a miracle child.”