MOORE, Okla. (KFOR) – Imagine the joy of holding your newborn for the first time, only to hear doctors say your baby would live to the age of two. That’s what the parents of a baby in Moore were devastated to hear when their little girl was born with a rare disease.
But, this little girl far surpassed two—in fact, she’s about to celebrate her 16th birthday. And her family credits her long-term caretaker, Rhonda Monks, for lengthening her life.
“She’s smart. She knew the capitols of every state,” said her proud grandpa, Davy Russell.
Arianna Wilson Russell was born with SMA, or spinal muscular atrophy, a rare genetic disease that leads to breathing and swallowing difficulties.
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“She’s a fighter, a tough little gal. So proud of her. It’s hard. She means the world to me,” Davy said with tears in his eyes…