Tears of Joy: Preschooler Overcomes Paralysis To Walk Across Graduation Stage

August 1, 2023

Estella was so excited to walk across the stage at her preschool graduation ceremony. But when her arm quit working that morning, her whole body was in danger of paralysis.

Estella has AHC, a rare neurological disorder in which repeated, transient attacks of paralysis occur. It can affect just one side of the body or both at the same time, and the attacks may last for minutes, hours or even days.

But on graduation day, Estella refused to let AHC win.

"I fully expected her to be in full body paralysis by the time graduation started because that's her typical pattern, so I was overjoyed to see her walk into the gym with her class with a big smile on her face!" her mother, Lacey Henderson, said. "We are always learning about AHC, but I saw the determination on her face during that entire program. It was like she was willing her body just to hold on a little longer so she could have her moment. We don't know if that's possible or not for her but that is definitely what it seemed like!

When Estella walked across the gym to get her 'diploma,' a grandparent of another student who goes to our church and knows Estella's story started clapping for her. I barely held it together 💕 It was such a small act of encouragement and support that I was so grateful for."

@estellas_wish Estella was so excited for her preschool graduation, so when her arm quit that morning I was so disappointed. I hate for her to miss things because of AHC episodes. I fully expected her to be in full body paralysis by the time graduation started because that’s her typical pattern, so I was overjoyed to see her walk into the gym with her class with a big smile on her face! We are always learning about AHC, but I saw the determination on her face during that entire program. It was like she was willing her body just to hold on a little longer so she could have her moment. We don’t know if that’s possible or not for her but that is definitely what it seemed like! When Estella walked across the gym to get her “diploma,” a grandparent of another student who goes to our church and knows Estella’s story started clapping for her. I barely held it together 💕 It was such a small act of encouragement and support that I was so grateful for. Estella had an excellent school year and grew so much in so many different areas. She has the best team supporting her at school…and I mean the best! They believe in her and want to see her succeed just as much as we do. We are so thankful for them and so proud of Estella! #preschool #preschoolgraduation #episode #ahc #paralysis #stroke #proud #walk #determined #specialneeds #specialeducation #inclusion ♬ Could Have Been Me by The Struts - ConfusedTwinkNoises