A Symphony of Strength

This freshman is officially in her band era.

Meet Allison, a lifelong patient of Shriners Children’s Florida. She was born in China with hip dysplasia and fibular hemimelia, a rare condition in which part or all of a leg’s fibular bone is missing. She was adopted in 2012 at 22 months old by her parents, Theresa and Scott. Until they brought her to Shriners Children’s, Allison could not walk. More than a decade later, the teenager is thriving. She continues to receive a new leg each year as she grows, or her interests evolve, all under the watchful eye of the Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) care team.

She started high school just six weeks ago, and since then the alto saxophone player has already earned the woodwind section’s “spirit stick” during band practice. Days later, she turned 15 and received her driving learner's permit – quite the accomplishment list for such a short period of time.

Yet, Allison is no stranger to a busy schedule. Whether she’s perfecting her archery skills at Girl Scouts camp or visiting theme parks with her family, one thing is for sure – she’s always on the go. This means Allison has kept the team in POPS very busy making new devices for her throughout the years.

The POPS team fabricates special water legs for her, too. A true Florida girl, she loves swimming and the beach. In the classroom, Allison is a model student and high achiever when it comes to her studies. In addition, she advocates for others with a limb difference by sharing her medical journey with her community and supporters.

Allison strikes a powerful chord as a Patient Ambassador and has been involved with the program from a very early age. She is often featured throughout Shriners Children’s commercials and giving campaigns, most recently spotted promoting the Dunkin’ Donuts summer fundraiser. Earlier this year, she brought the mission to life while speaking at a Shriners International leadership seminar. She also represented us at the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational, an annual collegiate softball tournament held each February in Florida.

“We are so grateful to have the opportunity to thank the people that do so much for our family!” said Theresa. “The POPS team is always so sweet and so patient with her. Everyone should know how wonderful they are!”

Allison couldn’t agree more. “Thanks to them, not only do I have better mobility and independence, but I am also able to be the active teenager I am today.”

From toddler patient to Patient Ambassador, Allison’s journey with Shriners Children’s has been filled with adventure, advocacy and achievement. She inspires us through music, perseverance and creativity. Always marching to her own beat, we look forward to seeing what Allison does next.

More About POPS

Shriners Children’s Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services designs, fits and manufactures orthotics and prosthetics for children, from infants to teenagers to young adults. These devices – including shoe inserts, braces and artificial limbs (both arms and legs) – provide the support children need to meet their full potential and pursue their dreams. For more information on POPS and how to schedule an appointment, please call 800-237-5055 today.