Friends of Mikayla

My daughter, Mikayla, is 24 years old. Because she has special needs, she still lives with us.

When she was about six months old, she was diagnosed with Septo Optic Dysplasia (SOD). She’s missing the septum pellucidum, a thin membrane that typically separates the brain’s two hemispheres.

Mikayla displays the following symptoms, which are typical for people who have SOD.

• nystagmus (rapid side-to-side eye movement)
• reduced vision
• slowed growth
• low energy
• muscle weakness
• cognitive delays
• seizures
• and more!

Mikayla knows that she’s different from other people. The cool thing is that she’s been blessed with having many amazing friends through the years. Her friends include the following people.

• Karilyn, her mother
• Riley, a young woman who went to school with her
• Mrs. Brigham, an amazing teacher who helped her get through elementary school
• Alex, Eamon, Cam, JJ, and Josie, her cousins
• Kris, her brother
• Tutu, her grandmother
• Tom, Kris’s father
• Other teachers and students
• Dwayne, a friend who has known her for many years, while working at Burger King, Chick-fil-A, and Taco Bell.
• and many more!

I am so grateful for the people in Mikayla’s life who make her feel welcome in this world.