I am so excited to be participating in the 2017 CHOC Walk in the Park at the Disneyland Resort on August 27th to raise funds for CHOC Children's Hospital! I walk for all of the children and families that CHOC (Children's Hospital of Orange County) touches which are going through the most challenging time in their lives. Before I was even born, my parents knew the needed to prepare themselves for the worst. After my first ultrasound, there were told that I appeared to be developing abnormally as my femur were shorter than expected and bowed. After they went to a genetic specialist at Cedars-Sinai in LA, they learned that I had campomelic dysplasia, a rare form of dwarfism that has a 90% infant mortality rate. For seven months, they had to contemplate the grim reality that was set before them. When I was born, they were on edge, but I defied the slim odds I was given and made it through my first night. Mom and dad were quickly referred to CHOC where a team of specialists helped me with her cleft palate and feeding issues. My parents would later learn that I was, just like my older sister, on the autism spectrum, but to more severe degree. From year one, I've been helped by CHOC ENTs, endocrinologists, geneticists, gastroenterologists, orthopedists, the craniofacial team, and more to help us give me the care that I've needed in order to enjoy my life to the fullest. Everyone there as been so nice to me! I'm so happy that my parents took me to CHOC! Please help me exceed my fundraising goal for the benefit of the children and families of Southern California. Every dollar counts for the kids and all donations are tax deductible, as CHOC is a non-profit organization! Thank you for your support! Aaliyah