Stacy Palmer, a physical therapist who has worked with Kierstynn the past four years, submitted her story to Magic Moments. She wrote of Kierstynn’s long journey of struggle and surgeries — a journey that began even before her birth.
Snow White, along with Magic Moments, a Birmingham-based nonprofit organization that grants “magic moments” to chronically ill children, visited Decatur Morgan Hosptial Rehab Access last week to surprise Kierstynn and her family with an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World.
“Kierstynn was able to just be a normal 7-year-old girl today. We don’t
get many of those moments and we cherish every single one,” said
Turner’s mother, Cassie Turner, of Elkmont. “We don’t know what the future holds so
we want to take advantage of this amazing gift as soon as possible. And
who wants to wait to go to Disney World anyway,” Cassie Turner said.
“There is no way we could have afforded this, not with the medical
expenses. We are looking forward to a week where we don’t have to worry
about when the next doctor’s appoint is. We will be able to just be a
family.”
The Turners credited the Spina Bifida Association of Alabama for providing support, education and opportunities. Through the association, they learned of developing medicines and therapies that will help Kierstynn live a longer and healthier life. Cassie Turner recommended that any family with a relative living with spina bifida contact the organization, which holds fundraisers, parties and summer camps for patients, their parents and siblings.
“Kierstynn hardly sees another child in a wheelchair, but at events with the association, everyone is like Kierstynn. No one looks at her differently. She is just Kierstynn, our daughter, a child of God,” Cassie Turner said.
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