Sakura and her twin sister, Akira, were born at 28 weeks, weighing 1lb 11oz each. While both girls had to push through many obstacles, Sakura needed more intervention and support. At 3 weeks old she had heart surgery to close a stubborn heart valve and was on a ventilator for many weeks. After nearly 4 months in the NICU, Sakura was finally able to come home, oxygen tank in tow! 

During their first two years of life, the girls were delayed in hitting milestones, but they did make progress. However, it was evident that Sakura was falling further and further behind. At 2, she was diagnosed with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy. CP is a life-long condition that affects both her fine and gross motor abilities. Later on, at age 11, she was diagnosed with autism and ADD. 

Since she was 6 months old, Sakura has attended weekly physical, occupational, and speech therapy appointments. Over the years, she has been followed by multiple specialists in and out of state, including surgery in St. Louis to improve her mobility. 

Despite all the obstacles she faces daily and working hard to perform basic tasks most take for granted, today, Sakura is still a happy, loving, and caring girl. She loves (LOVES!) dinosaurs, the beach, going to church, reading a good book, and celebrating birthdays with her family and friends.