Natalya is a darling, happy, and easy going baby girl who is doing beautifully considering her life 's difficult beginning. During the fourth month of her mother 's pregnancy, it was determined that Natalya 's brain and spinal cord were not developing properly. Natalya had hydrocephalus, a problem with the formation of her spine ande meningomyelocele (excessive fluid surrounding her brain). Natalya was delivered by cesarean section four weeks early because of complications with the pregnancy.

Upon delivery, doctors immediately admitted Natalya to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Surgeons placed a shunt in her head and closed the meningomyelocele on her back. At 10 days Natalya went home. During her first year, Natalya endured multiple surgeries.

Natalya 's hydrocephalus and meningomyelocele caused development difficulties, particularly with her vision, hearing and the fisting of her right hand. Natalya struggles with upper body weakness in addition to weakness with paralysis in her legs.

At three months old Natalya began receiving services from the early intervention staff of the Infant Toddler Program at Holly Ridge Center. Natalya works weekly with a pediatric occupational therapist and special education teacher.