Jill and Daniel Bryson welcomed their son Jagger into the world without complication on March 17, 2007, in Texarkana. His twin sister, Addison followed moments later, but her life didn’t begin quite as easily as her brother’s. It was immediately apparent she had breathing issues and that her heart was on the wrong side of her chest. She was flown immediately to Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

“Within the first few days we learned Addison had several life-threatening heart conditions that would require major heart surgeries, as well as multiple other medical problems,” Jill said. Further examination resulted a diagnosis of Vacterl Association (Vertebral, Anal, Tracheal, Esophageal, Cardiac, Renal and Limb abnormalities). Seven months, two major heart surgeries, one life-threatening bowel infection, multiple strokes, seizures, kidney failure, and countless infections later, Addison’s finally left Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

But her medical battle was only beginning. More diagnosis and surgeries have followed. Addison also has Klippel Feil Syndrome and Congenital Heart Disease, Jill said. While her cardiac problems are her most serious, Addison also suffers from a long list of abnormalities, including cervical stenosis (narrowing of the spine in her neck), scoliosis, rib anomalies, hypoplastic (underdeveloped) right lung, bicuspid aortic valve (two leaflets instead of three), bilateral radial aplasia (shortened forearm bones), bilateral hypoplastic thumbs (both removed August 2007)—among others. “Despite all this, she continues to be an amazing and inspirational little girl,” Jill said.

In the summer of 2008, the Bryson family moved from Texarkana to Benton. That’s when a friend recommended Easter Seals. Addison started outpatient therapy that July and entered their childcare program in August, right before Easter Seals' annual Rollin’ on the River, an event the Bryson family knew they wanted to be a part of. “We quickly formed our team, Addison’s Crusaders, just in time for the walk that September. Our team has grown each year, and we look forward to participating in our fourth walk this year,” Jill said. “Last year, we barely made the walk because Addison had open heart surgery in July; fortunately she was back to school in four weeks and then participated in the walk six weeks later.”

Jill said Addison was in a wheel chair before last year’s surgery, but by the time of the next Rollin’ on the River walk, she was able to walk short distances with oxygen. A few months later, Addison began walking independently – something they’re looking forward to watching her do in this year’s Rollin on the River 2K.

“[Walking independently] is a huge milestone for us,” Jill said. “With her complicated medical history, we were unsure if walking was in her future. Now, Addison loves to walk. I do not think Addison would be anywhere near where she is today without the hard work and determination of her therapists and teachers,” Jill said. “[Easter Seals] has performed miracles for Addison.”

Rollin’ on the River

5K Run & 2K Family Fun Walk

Aug. 27 at the Clinton Presidential Center

Schedule

  • 6:15 a.m.: 5K registration opens
  • 7:15 a.m.: 5K race for serious runners begins; 2K walk registration begins
  • 8 a.m.: 2K Family Fun Walk
  • 8:30-10:30 a.m.: Children’s Play Area opens

Registration

  • Cost: $25; proceeds stay in Arkansas to fund Easter Seals programs and services
  • Individuals: Register at EasterSealsAR.com
  • Teams: Register your team with Candi Cox at 227-3711. Once registered, anyone can join your team. Each team will be assigned an honorary ambassador unless you already have your own.