Everyone can smile when they are on cloud nine. Everyone can cry when the weather is blue. But it takes a strong person to smile when he or she has every reason to cry!
For a 5-year-old little girl, Leah is a tough and strong girl with a positive outlook on life. The strong little girl suffers from severe congenital Neutropenia, a rare genetic disorder characterized by a deficiency of neutrophils in the bone marrow.
Neutrophils are a type of white blood cells that are important in curing inflammation and boost our immune system. Hence, people with severe congenital Neutropenia are prone to infections and inflammation.
In addition, about 40% of those with Neutropenia suffer from decreased bone density and have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis.
Leah was born with this rare genetic disorder and had already gone under two bone marrow transplants. She had her first bone marrow transplant last February 7, 2014.
Two years later, she had her second and needed time to recover from ‘graft versus host disease.’ A process in which the stem blood cells coming from the donated bone marrow attack the host’s body.
Undergoing, not one, but two bone marrow transplants in two years is not something you would want anyone to go through especially your own child. But a video of Leah, smiling, singing, and dancing during her recovery shows that she is radiating a strong positive outlook in life.
Looking at her video alone, one would not be able to tell that the 5-year-old girl is suffering from severe congenital Neutropenia.
In the now viral video, Leah’s mom, Lindsay Chapman-Carroll captured Leah singing and dancing along Overcomer of American Idol’s Mandisa. In the video, Leah is having a good time singing along to a song that speaks to her heart.
Lindsay uploaded Leah’s adorable video on her Facebook account together with the caption, “She’s an overcomer. Septic shock, two bone marrow transplants, graft vs. host disease and 325 days away from home in the hospital. God is so good to us through it all and Leah is proof of his mercy and grace! I do not own the rights to this song.”
Leah’s heartwarming video became viral and an inspiration to all. In fact, American Idol’s Mandisa herself even shared Leah’s video on her own page. Words of admiration and support blessed Leah and her mother, Lindsay.
“I am overwhelmed with the love and support Leah’s Overcomer video has brought! So many new friend requests and messages that I cannot possibly keep up with! Please feel free to follow Leah’s journey Prayers and Love for Leah. Thank you for ALL the love, support & prayers. Thank you, Mandisa for sharing Leah’s video and asking for prayer!” Linsay followed up on Facebook, after receiving an overwhelming amount of support and love from people across the globe.
“You’re an overcomer, stay in the fight ’til the final round. You’re not going under ’cause God is holding you right now.”
True to the lyrics of Mandisa’s inspiring song, Leah is a strong and inspiring overcomer. Despite her young age, she has proved to herself and to the world that not even the biggest problem in the world could knock her positive outlook down, nor wipe away the smile from her face!
Watch the heartwarming video of Leah below and may she inspire you to brave life’s challenges with a radiant smile on your face!
Photos and Video | Prayers and Love for Leah and Leah’s Family Fund