At an age when many children are running across playgrounds, climbing stairs, and calling out “watch me,” Leighton experiences the world differently. She cannot yet walk. She cannot stand on her own. Simple movements that most people never think about — rolling over, sitting up, reaching — require immense effort, patience, and support.
Leighton was born with a hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIE) caused by a lack of oxygen to her brain. This injury led to cerebral palsy, a diagnosis that forever changed the path of her life. From the very beginning, her body has had to work harder to do what should come naturally.
Her days are filled with therapy appointments instead of playdates. Her milestones are measured not in steps taken, but in inches gained — a stronger core, improved head control, a longer moment of balance. Progress comes slowly and often invisibly to the outside world, but every gain represents courage, perseverance, and hours of work.
There are moments that are especially hard.
Moments when Leighton watches other children run past her. Moments when she reaches for independence but needs help. Moments when frustration turns to tears — and when her parents feel the weight of knowing how much she wants to move, explore, and keep up.
And yet, Leighton continues to try.
She shows up to every therapy session. She pushes through discomfort. She celebrates the smallest victories with a joy that fills the room. Her smile, her laughter, her determination remind us daily that her diagnosis does not define her — but her strength does.
Leighton’s journey has shown us how much support matters. Access to consistent therapy, adaptive equipment, and specialized care isn’t a luxury — it’s essential. Without it, children like Leighton are left waiting, falling further behind during the most critical years of development.
Leighton is the heart of Leighton’s Army. Her story is the reason this nonprofit exists — not out of pity, but out of purpose. We fight because she fights. We advocate because she deserves every opportunity to grow, to move, and to experience the world as fully as possible.
She may not be mobile yet — but she is powerful beyond measure.
And she is not walking this journey alone.
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