Alley is a sweetheart who is gentle with everyone. She has an easy sense of humor, whether she’s singing along to silly songs or pretending to shoot Star Wars blasters at her brothers and dad, pointing her finger and making little “pew! pew!” noises.
Alley was adopted from Nanning, China, at the age of seven. Her family knew her needs were atypical, but aside from a diagnosis of microcephaly in a medical report translated from Mandarin, they did not know the challenges ahead. When Alley was adopted, she was unable to speak, could barely lift a foot off the ground to walk, and could not raise her hands above her head. She also experienced periodic episodes of becoming catatonic or having what appeared to be seizures. After further testing, she was diagnosed with PTSD, ADHD, and hemiplegic migraines, along with delays in both fine and gross motor skills.
Now, she participates in speech and occupational therapy, pushing herself hard every day. Through time, dedication, and persistence, Alley can now communicate in simple phrases and has gained enough physical ability to dress herself, go on walks, and enjoy every exciting vacation she takes with her family—including hiking, ziplining, climbing, and sailing around the world! She can fully participate in family activities, whether that means having fun together or folding laundry while jamming to Taylor Swift.
As Alley winds down at the end of the day, she gets extra giggly. She is a beautiful reminder that disabilities can be hidden, yet they are no less real or deserving of care, love, patience, understanding, and joy.