Hattie's journey began with an uneventful pregnancy, leading to her healthy birth in April 2013. At 8 lbs. 14 oz., she was an easygoing and happy baby, though not meeting typical milestones. Early intervention started at 10 months but showed limited progress. At 18 months, genetic testing revealed isodicentric Dup15q Syndrome, upending their world.

Just before her third birthday, seizures emerged, escalating to over 100 daily at their worst. Daily battles ensued to manage them, resulting in numerous injuries. Despite trying various medications, relief was elusive. Ultimately, a corpus callosotomy in the summer of 2023 was performed, reducing the quantity of seizures, yet they persist daily, with the fear of SUDEP ever present.

Dup15q Syndrome also brought an autism diagnosis, developmental delays, behavioral issues, ADHD, and sleep disruptions. Hattie manages these with multiple daily medications. She attends a public school program for children with disabilities, receiving various therapies and support for her daily activities, with a need for lifelong assistance.

Despite being nonverbal, Hattie is expressive and loves cuddles, books, Taylor Swift, music videos, swimming, and dogs. Resilient and cherished by many, she enjoys immense love and support from friends and family. Joining the Dup15q Alliance has provided invaluable resources and support, yet more research is needed for this relatively unknown disorder.

Today, at thirteen years old, Hattie is vibrant, loving music, books, swimming, and family. Her smile lights up the room, and her cuddles warm hearts. Despite her challenges, she remains resilient, embodying the hope for targeted treatments and a brighter future for those with dup15q syndrome. Supporting research into this rare disorder is vital for Hattie and others like her, to potentially lead lives with fewer complications, flourishing as their happiest selves.