Valley girl with spina bifida takes first steps

PHOENIX (FOX 10) - The Marshall family moved to Phoenix from Las Vegas in late 2016. The family found more than opportunity, they found healing and hope. Their young daughter, who was never supposed to walk, took her first steps here.

At just 4-years-old, the journey for little Amnesty Marshall has already been a long one.

"We found out that Amnesty had spina bifida when I was 20 weeks pregnant," said Krystal Marshall.

Spina bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don't form properly.

"It was really emotional, I remember leaving the doctor's office that day and just wondering what's next," said Krystal.

"They did two surgeries within that seven days, the first day she was born they closed her spinal column back into her back closed the hole and then they put a shunt in her brain that releases fluid," said Dusty Marshall.

What came next was a long road that led the family to Head to Toe Therapy.

"It was just a matter of weeks and I remember seeing the video having Krystal text me," said Dr. Bridget O'Brien with Head to Toe Therapy.

After 12 weeks of working with her physical therapist, Amnesty took her first steps without the aid of her walker, even though doctors warned she would never walk on her own.

"When I saw her take those first steps, it was confirmation that this was what Amnesty was born for, to give hope to others," said Krystal.

Her parents credit the integrated care she received at Head to Toe Therapy, Amnesty's drive and their strong faith for getting them where they are today.

The Marshall's and Spina Bifida Association of Arizona are hosting a special play date held at Head to Toe for families and kids with spina bifida. It takes place March 16 from 11:00 a.m.. to 1:00 p.m..