Helping Nolie Bloom

On March 19th, 2021, Jessica and Larry welcomed their beautiful daughter Magnolia Walton into the world.

At Magnolia’s 20 week ultrasound, Jessica and Larry were given life altering news about their sweet girl.

Magnolia was diagnosed with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC).

AMC is the development of multiple joint contractures throughout the body. Magnolia is

affected in her shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles. Magnolia was born without hip

sockets, which doesn't allow her to bear any weight on her legs. Because of these multiple

contractures and abnormalities, Nolies life looks a lot different than others her age.

When Magnolia was born she was not able to move her limbs, just her neck and head. As

time has gone on, Nolie is learning how to adapt more everyday but still struggles to hit

physical milestones. For example, Nolie cannot use her hands to feed herself, crawl, or use

her legs and feet to stand.

There is no cure for arthrogryposis, and treatment is directed towards specific symptoms.

In Magnolia's case, her AMC is severe. Since birth, Nolie has gotten over 30 casts, 3 sets

of splints, over 600 therapy sessions, and 1 surgery.

When Magnolia was born, her parents searched for the best treatment possible,

and that is when they learned about Dr. Feldman and the Paley Institute. Dr.

Feldman, is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in spinal deformities, and

severe limb and hip deformities. Dr. Feldman is 1 of 2 doctors in the U.S. that is

well versed in the treatment of AMC.

Magnolia received treatment at the Paley Institute in West Palm Beach for 4

months before returning home to continue therapies. Magnolia and her parents

plan to return to Paley this fall for a bilateral hip and knee surgery, in hopes that

Magnolia will be able to walk independently. There is a total of 13 different

procedures, per leg, that Dr. Feldman could potentially perform, and those

decisions will be made during surgery. The goal of surgery is to get Magnolia's

legs in the proper position for bearing weight.

Jessica and Larry’s goal for Magnolia is to give her every opportunity to live a normal life. To be able to walk

and to use her hands as you and I do. Jessica and Larry never want Magnolia to feel like she is different, or that

she is alone because she cannot do the things that other kids can do. Their biggest hope is that one day she will be

able to walk beside them, and know she does not have a disability, but different abilities.

The Walton family will be spending 6-8 months in Florida, including three months after Magnolias's surgery so

she can get physical and occupational therapy. Any amount donated towards Magnolias medical expenses can

make all the difference to this family and would be greatly appreciated.

The Walton family is forever grateful for the amazing people that help and follow Magnolia’s journey with AMC.

To see more of Magnolias journey, please follow her Facebook page “Magnolias Milestones” and her TikTok

“Nolieblooms”