I’ll never forget my 36 week checkup. We had recently moved from LA to Chicago and had the typical stressors surrounding moving cross county, a horrible economy, and a very busy 18 month old but we were happy. I was in the waiting room, after an ultrasound, and saw my doctor run by into an office. I remember thinking – well that can’t be good, and sadly I was right. We were told that Ruby most likely had a brain hemmorhage in utero and brain was full of fluid causing hydrocephalus. I don’t remember much after that. A flurry of exams, meetings with neurosurgeons and a very grim prognosis. On June 20, 2009, our girl was born. I saw her very briefly and she was taken immediately to the NICU at Children’s Memorial. She had her shunt placed on day 3 of life. Everyone said she was a fighter and she sure proved it when she was ready to come home after day 6, instead of the anticipated 30 days. As she grew, she continued to defy all odds. Early Intervention started almost immediately. She talked in sentences at 9 months and walked at 14 months. She was also diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, has limited use of her left side, is legally blind in her right eye but nothing seems to stop her. She is now 9 and has endured six brain surgeries, three eye surgeries and countless hospital visits. But her smile never stops. She is sweet, funny, and a serious tomboy! She loves soccer, school, hospital bingo, her friends and her big sister. We are constantly in awe of this girl who never gives up and handles her challenges with grace and dignity. I’m certain I’ve learned more from her than she has from me.