Milca Gutierrez, Age 11
CALIFORNIA
Children's Hospital Central California
Brittle Bone Disease
Eleven-year-old Milca Gutierrez of Fresno, Calif., has been seen at Children's Hospital Central California more than 180 times and has undergone over 10 operations, yet she seeks no sympathy.
At 4 months of age Milca was diagnosed with a rare disorder called osteogenesis imperfecta, more commonly known as brittle bone disease. This rare disorder affects the connective tissue and causes bones to break easily without any apparent reason.
A constant source of optimism and encouragement, whether to herself or others, Milca has a special knack for helping those around her. In fact, every year her family travels to their native hometown in Mexico to provide clothes, toys and stuffed animals to families in need.
Thanks to the cutting-edge medical care provided throughout her life, Milca is able to live an active life. Her favorite activities include swimming and math, and she dreams of becoming a doctor and helping others.
Milca may continue to be treated for fractures the rest of her life, but her positive spirit will never break. After all, "it's just a bone," she says.
