Owensboro Public Schools have an exceptional dance program.  My friend, Tiffany Burton's daughter Haley is a part of it and she made her presence know on stage in their spring performance!

Haley's story is a beautiful one!  She was adopted at age 6 from foster care.  Her parents were told she would never walk or eat enough to sustain her body.  Her mother, Tiffany, says "Haley has proven both of these statements to be FALSE!"

Haley has Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita it occurs 1 in 3000 live births, 20-30% of those live births pass away before the age of 1 for various reasons. God, however, had a different plan for Haley!  She is a FIGHTER.

Haley started back to public school right after fall break of 2017. She had been homeschooled for the past 4 years.  She has always been an outgoing child and has never let her different-ability stop her!  She was enrolled in Mrs. Ashley Ayer Martin's Dance Class and things just took off.

Haley's physical therapist has said that she has noticed an increase in Haley’s core strength since being in the class.  Haley's mom says "My dream has always been that some teacher would come along and see past Haley’s different-abilities and see her for who she is! She is smart, beautiful, talented, innovative, driven, and determined!  Teachers make all the difference! Mrs. Ayer Martin has been amazing!!!!

At age 12 Haley has already designed and developed 3 pieces of adaptive equipment that help her with everyday living tasks!  Haley just wants others to see her as a normal kid who loves video games, drawing, painting, going to Starbucks with her friends, and talking and texting on her phone!

Today I am thankful for beautiful success stories such as Haley's, for teachers like Ashley Ayer Martin who make a difference in the lives of our children, and to the Owensboro Public School System for offering such an amazing program!

I think it is a must I add that Haley LOVES listening to Chad and Angel in the morning.  I knew I loved this girl!

 

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