An American woman defied the odds by celebrating her 20th birthday despite being born without a brain. Alex Simpson from Omaha, Nebraska, was diagnosed with hydranencephaly, a rare condition where the brain’s hemispheres fail to develop, when she was just two months old. Initially, doctors had given a grim prognosis, stating she would not live past the age of four.
Despite the challenges, Alex’s family attributes her survival to faith and love. Her father, Shawn Simpson, expressed gratitude for the support that has kept them going over the years. While Alex lacks sight and hearing, her family attests to her deep emotional awareness and ability to sense the moods of those around her.
Hydranencephaly is a rare condition, affecting approximately one in 5,000 to one in 10,000 pregnancies, typically resulting in fatality within the first year of life. Alex’s younger brother, SJ, shared how proud he is of his sister and how he has dedicated time to understanding her condition to provide better support.
Alex requires constant care and attention, with her family adjusting their routines to cater to her specific needs through touch, routine, and familiarity. Despite her limitations, she has become a symbol of resilience and strength to her family, who describe her as a “fighter” and a “miracle.”
The Simpsons believe that the environment of love and support they have created around Alex has been instrumental in her surpassing medical expectations. They plan to continue sharing her story to raise awareness about hydranencephaly and challenge misconceptions about the quality of life for individuals with such conditions.
