Alissa Perkins
When Alissa Perkins was born a little over two years ago, doctors diagnosed her with fibular hemimelia and told her parents, Mark and Tara, to come back in a year to figure out what the right approach should be.
“I wanted to be proactive and not wait around,” said Tara.“ I knew there had to be a better option out there for my daughter.”
Alissa and her family live in Las Vegas and heard about a PGA Tour event in their area to benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children®. At the event, Tara noticed Katie Walker, a former patient with a prosthetic leg.
Tara approached her and Katie was more than happy to share her phenomenal experiences there, including the expert care, physical therapy and customized prosthetics provided by the hospital, all of which had a part in allowing her to participate in essentially any activity she chose, including golf. Katie also had her parents talk with Tara, to further reinforce that Shriners Hospitals for Children was the right place for Alissa.
After attending an outreach clinic provided by Shriners Hospitals for Children — Los Angeles, Alissa and her parents visited the hospital. Tara was very impressed with the commitment of the staff after meeting with Hugh Watts, M.D., former chief of staff, and Yoshio Setoguchi, M.D., medical director of the hospital’s Child Amputee Prosthetics Project.
“Dr. Watts and Dr. Setoguchi wanted to hear what my goals were for Alissa,” said Tara. “It was such a relief to find someone who was not only knowledgeable, but genuinely cared about helping my daughter.”
Alissa had her left leg amputated and a follow-up surgery performed in June of 2010. She received her first prosthesis right before her first birthday and was walking a month later.
Even at a young age, Alissa loves leading an active life. She enjoys chasing her older brother around, singing and dancing. She recently started taking gymnastics and is a natural at jumping on the trampoline and walking on the balance beam. In addition, she recently learned how to ride on a tricycle on her own.
“Alissa is an extremely determined little girl and her favorite phrase to say is ‘I can do it myself,’” said Tara.
“Every time she accomplishes something new, my heart immediately goes out to the hospital and the staff for pouring their heart and soul into my daughter’s future.”
As patient ambassador, Alissa will attend the official East-West Shrine Game events and take center-field on game day for the coin toss.