Elise’s story continues to evolve as she lives her best life every day. As you look back, she has been living with this disease for a decade and it is still as if a light follows her wherever she goes – people continue to be easily drawn into her world by her easygoing, happy demeanor, constant smile, and infectious laugh. Elise is now officially a teenager and that comes with some spirited discussions at times, and she has truly developed her own teenage personality.
But what lies beneath Elise’s physical appearance is what makes her so incredibly special. See, to know Elise is to love her because that is exactly what she represents. Simply put, Elise is LOVE. Now at 13 years old, she still has one of the biggest hearts of any person around – no matter their age. She exudes compassion and kindness in everything she does. She loves going to school and always has a positive attitude with her aids, teachers, and schoolmates. She now participates in activities at school that incorporate a full day of class with reading and math at her skill level, therapies, and life skills to keep her development going.
It is very impressive to see the incredibly strong relationship that has formed between Elise and her younger sister Emmersyn. Emmersyn at age 10 understands her sister and her needs and is always keeping her protected as if she was the “big sister”. The bond that has developed between these sisters is truly amazing.
From an early age Elise has always been drawn to animals and it still holds true today for the love she has for all her pets and any interactions she gets to have with animals. Elise continues to attend Victory Gallop which is a local Hippotherapy horse barn where she is able to groom and ride horses regularly.
She loves music (huge Taylor Swift fan!) and having impromptu dance parties on a Friday night or even after school. Elise continues to develop her abilities around the house and is always willing to help with chores and anything her mom and dad ask her to do.
Ever since Elise has been a young child, she is always especially eager to lend a hand in times of need. She’s always quick to offer up a huge hug and kiss, a pat on the back, and an “I love you” anytime she sees those around her having a bad day.
According to Elise, everything will always be okay. And it always is …. because she’s there.
Elise also continues to have an unbelievable imagination that pulls people into a carefree world, filled with sunshine and happiness. She loves to do arts and crafts, puzzles, listening to books, any game involving magnets, and she is a big movie buff. When Elise is at her best, she is full of new and creative ideas.
As Elise continues to grow every day her contagious personality will draw you in, and she continues to make the world just right.
Donate to Elise’s Corner Field-of-Interest Fund at Akron Community Foundation to help find a cure for Alexander Disease.
