By HUNTER THOMAS
Staff Writer
“It’s another day to prove to everyone I’m just as strong as they are and I can d0 as much as they can.”
Khloee O’Neal was born with spina bifida nearly 11 years ago. Her birthday is September 16.
She wants birthday cards sent to her. The cards can include messages about how much her fight means and how special and strong she is.
Cards of well wishes can be sent to her address at 1197 Aycock Road, Waycross, Ga. 31503.
“This is my Celebration of Life,” says Khloee, who also wants to visit an arcade and play games.
Multiple doctors told her family she wouldn’t make it past 10 years old.
“Khloee is the strongest person I know,” said her mother, Candace Hiott. “She has faced so much in her short life, yet she has accomlished and overcame so much.
“We want her to get her birthday wish, but most importantly we need prayer.”
Spina bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don't form properly. It’s a type of neural tube defect. The neural tube is the structure in a developing embryo that eventually becomes the baby’s brain, spinal cord and the tissues that enclose them.
Spina bifida and anencephaly are birth defects that occur in the first four weeks of pregnancy, before most women know that they are pregnant. The odds of having a child with spina bifida are less than 1 percent.
Spina bifida can not be cured, only helped with certain treatment.
“I have lived through a lot of pain and fought a lot of battles,” said Khloee. “I have a lot more to give to the world.”
She has suffered through many medical condistions, surgeries, hospital visits and so much more. Khloee’s mother received upsetting news August 23 that her daughter needs to have both feet amputated at the ankle.
Khloee condition is causing infections in her feet. The amputations will prevent further infection or the loss of her whole leg and even her life.
“With all that she has been through, she is still able to smile and have a positive outlook on life,” Hiott said. “We can learn so much from her.”
You can follow Khloee’s journey with spina bifida on Facebook.
