Sometimes superhero don't wear capes, they don't zoom though the streets, or fly their the air. Sometimes they carry stuffed flamingos and wear ballerina costumes. Sometimes they are a little kid fighting big battles. Natalie is an everyday "Sioux-Per Hero". She never lets any of her diagnoses define her and she shines her bright light wherever she goes.
"It is difficult to summarize Natalie's story briefly, she has lived more, fought harder, struggled and conquered more in her eight years than most of us will in a lifetime. She was born with an ultra rare genetic condition called KBG Syndrome which in itself is a lot to carry for a young girl. But as we have come to learn, Natalie does very little in a simple or easy way. Her medical conditions are many, very complex and incredibly unique. Even amongst her rare disease peers she is one of a kind and her body doesn't "follow the norms or the rules." She has seen specialists in multiple states and cities and sees nearly every type of doctor you can see to manage her many health conditions. We joke that it is often easier to tell you what body systems work, than try to explain what is affected. Her health is unpredictable and we have learned to live in the moment and enjoy the times of happiness and health and "normal." There is no cure for Natalie, no treatment or medicine to fix what is wrong, but we fight every day to make her life the very best it can be... and as normal as possible. 
Natalie loves. She loves life, friends, school, her family, painting, swimming and her baby kitties. But most spectacular of all she loves people. From a young age she was drawn to making friends with everyone of all ages and backgrounds. She is often the beacon of light in a waiting room of sad, broken and lonely people we find in hospital waiting rooms. If you are riding down in an elevator be prepared to answer her many questions, because she wants to know where you are from, where you are going and what you will be doing there. In a world where we often float along without noticing who is around us... she is the enigma. She sees you, and she wants to know you. Her body may be broken but her spirit and her heart are strong. To know Natalie is to love Natalie, and I know she will do great things."- Briana Dose (mother).
Natalie is brave in ways I have no words for. She sees the positive in everyday no matter the storm that surrounds her. She teaches those around her how to have hope, how to be strong, and how to trust their own path. She sees the world through the eyes of unconditional love. She shines so bright she makes this world a little more beautiful and more wonderful. The world needs more Natalies.
Make sure to nominate your Sioux-Per Hero Of the Week to be featured on Macaroni KID Sioux Falls. Sioux-Per Heros will be chosen each week and be given TWO FREE drink cards from Dunn Brothers East Sioux Falls. These FREE drink cards allows for any beverage, of any size off of their menu.
