CAMBRIA'S STORY

As promised, here is Cambria's pictures, her story & some very inspiring words from her mommy, Danielle. Danielle just started a blog, click here to check it out; then follow her & help spread the word about SMA!

Meet Cambria:

{Look at that beautiful hair she has!}

Cambria is 2 1/2 years old and was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Basically it means that her muscles are slowly atrophying. As of now, she has control of her facial muscles, her arms & very small movements of her head. The tube you see attached to her stomach is a "G-Tube" where she receives all her nutrients.  Since she can't chew, this is the only way to make sure that she is getting what she needs. Cambria is truly a miracle baby! She has surpassed her life expectancy & looks like she is here to stay!

Watching the interaction between Cambria & Danielle was such an amazing experience! They both need each other & you can tell that while Danielle is Cambria's guardian angel and mother, she feels the same about Cambria. Danielle has a heightened sense of mommy intuition. For every noise that Cambria made, Danielle knew exactly what to do. She could tell if Cambria uncomfortable, wanted her Bella Monkey or wanted to see my baby or anything else.  As I said before, this whole experience has taught me so much; and, I am incredibly grateful for the chance I had to meet these ladies!

They even have a special way to give kisses so Cambria can actively give her mommy kisses whenever she wants to in the way she can. Here is a picture of their kiss:

{SOOOO CUTE!}

Here are Danielle's words she shared with me that she wrote about Cambria's diagnosis after a year had past by: 

September 14, 2010: D-Day (Diagnosis Day)

One year ago today my entire life was shattered as the neurologist stood before me diagnosing my most precious gift and miracle, my lovebug Cambria Lynnette with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Type 1. As she uttered the words "terminal genetic disease" I felt an indescribable blow to my chest that left me paralyzed and confused. The room was spinning out of control as I sit in complete shock just staring and holding the hand of my amazingly beautiful daughter. So many thoughts came rushing in while trying to grasp the reality of our unknown future--how could this be?... no one on either side has had any diseases in the past... they have to be wrong! As much as I pleaded and begged God for them to be wrong they weren't. My worst fears had just come true. I felt as if I were suffocating and there wasn't a single person who could help me. I left the hospital that fateful day brokenhearted, numb, and in disbelief. I died September 14, 2010 and emerged a forever changed SMA mommy. I still and will always vividly remember all of those horrendous feelings and thoughts that encompassed my very being for weeks and months afterwards; however, I never thought it possible, but so much good has come from Cambria's diagnosis, too. The generosity of others has truly amazed and bewildered me beyond words; people coming together as family, friends, friends of family and friends, and friends that have become family and even complete strangers to help support and love Cambria. This past year I have been overwhelmed by grief and heartache, but blessed in more ways than I could ever imagine all at the same time. I've learned a lot about SMA and how to care for Cambria, I've learned a lot about my family and friends, I've learned a lot about myself, I've learned that God chose me to be Cambria's mommy, and most of all I've learned a lot about Cambria--how she communicates with me when no one else in the world knows what she's saying without having to say a word, how infectious her smile is and how it gets me through my rough days, how strong she is even though her muscles indicate otherwise, how smart she is even though she doesn't "talk", how stubborn she is which makes her an awesome fighter, how blessed I am to have the privilege of being her mommy, to have her as my daughter. Although when I gave birth on November 5, 2009 to my seemingly healthy baby, SMA came into my life 10 months later wreaking havoc on my soul and as crazy as this sounds I wouldn't change any of it. Cambria wouldn't be my Cambria any other way and she's absolutely perfect! So today and always, I celebrate life and love and treasure every passing moment to the fullest. I love you, my Lovebug!

I guess I wanted to send this to you because you fit in with my amazement in the generosity of others.  I will never to able to thank you enough.

All my best,

Danielle

And here are some pictures of them with Cambria's new diapers! It was so cute to see her be so excited about them! At one point Danielle was playing the "Where's your. . ." game & I jumped in and asked "Where's your pretty new diapers?"  Her face lit up & she pointed to it very quickly & made an excited noise! In fact the first picture is her pointing to it! I couldn't have asked for more than to know that Cambria really likes her diapers!

*** For anyone who wants to know measurements so you can compare sizing with your toddler; Cambria is 2 1/2 years old, 37 inches tall & weighs 30 pounds. There are still 3 rows of waist snaps on both sides that she can grow into.