Meet Karley

Karley was born at 37 weeks and diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) shortly after birth. Within her first day of life, she began having seizures every two minutes and was rushed to the NICU, where doctors tried every possible medication. At just eight days old, after discovering a large tumor on the right side of her brain, Karley underwent a hemispherectomy, a rare and high-risk brain surgery typically reserved for much older children. Her strength was evident from the start, earning her the title of warrior from all who know her.

Despite two seizure-free months after surgery, Karley spent years battling relentless seizures with little relief. At one point, she was having up to 60 seizures a day. Through it all, Karley remained fiercely determined and full of life, walking for her physical therapist, playfully sassing her speech and occupational therapists, and always radiating joy. Karley has received extensive therapies that helped her grow into the vibrant, affectionate girl she is today.

In recent years, her condition worsened again, prompting a second brain surgery after her team confirmed a single focal point for her seizures. The same surgeon who performed her first operation gave her a second chance at relief, and this time, it worked. Karley is now down to just two medications (from nine) and is more alert, vocal, and active than she has been in years. She's discovering new passions, including bowling (where she recently won two games!), and she continues to love swimming, adventuring, and connecting with everyone she meets.

Karley’s life is nothing short of a miracle. Though her diagnosis is unpredictable, her family is committed to making every moment count. They have hiked together, completed a half marathon in Gatlinburg, and never let her diagnosis stop them from exploring the world. Karley continues to inspire everyone around her with her resilience, joy, and unstoppable spirit.

American Mobility Project is excitied to announce that Karley has received an equipment grant for her very own All Terrain Wheelchair! As Karley continues to grow, her all-terrain wheelchair will allow her to access the outdoor adventures she loves with fewer limits.