Carlee Ritch, Great Things Come in Small Packages

When 9-year-old Carlee Ritch was three, her doctors diagnosed her with Turner's Syndrome, characterized by the presence of a single X chromosome instead of either an XX or XY combination. Turner's has given Carlee a set of physical and learning challenges that this very curious, friendly, philosophical girl meets with a smile and a "can do" spunk. In fact, there's nothing she won't try, and whenever she meets an obstacle, she tells herself and those around her, "I can do anything if I try and so can you."

Carlee's mom, Shelly, is inspired by her daughter every day. "God gave Carlee to us and she's our little miracle. She's the most courageous person I've ever met, and yet she's still just a little girl who likes horses, listens to country music and spats with her brother," Shelly said, combining a big smile with a motherly laugh.

Carlee and her 6-year-old brother, Tanner, have been going to Children's Village for as long as they can remember. In addition to their occupational therapy, physical therapy and One-to-One programs, both kids participate in, Carlee's endocrinologist drives over from Seattle for semiannual check-ups at Children's Village. Carlee has been able to participate in basketball, baseball and the Children's Miracle Network® Golf Clinic. "These are things she'd never have the opportunity to do in the same way in a setting outside of Children's Village," said Shelly. "I cannot say thank you enough times to those who give money to The Memorial Foundation out of the kindness of their hearts and make the impossible possible. You are a huge blessing to us."

The medical costs have taken a toll on the family. Carlee's dad, Michael, works two jobs so Shelly is available to keep up with the family's busy schedule of school, therapy, appointments and volunteering at Children's Village, which she says she does out of a great desire to give back to a community that has helped her family so much.