Drawing on Family and Cultural Strengths to Thrive in Life

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How does a little girl diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA Type 2) not only outlive her predicted lifespan of 10 years but go on to experience her high school homecoming, marriage, and co-parenting? Join longstanding BTC ally and National Facilitator Heid Kranz and her beloved niece, Desiree Vallo, as we bear witness to Desi’s internal, family, and cultural strengths that she continues to draw upon in her journey beyond surviving her diagnosis to thriving in her life.

Presenter:

Desiree Vallo

Despite being born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 2, Desiree Vallo defied the odds and achieved remarkable milestones, including being crowned Homecoming Queen at her high school. Desiree’s life is a testament to the power of advocacy, resilience, and love, inspiring countless others to strive for positive change. She has become an advocate for increased SMA research funding in Washington, DC, and commenced a new chapter as a mother after her husband gained custody of his 4-year-old son.

Heidi S. Kranz, MS, IMH-E®

Heidi Kranz is a lifelong resident of New Mexico and a member of Acoma Pueblo, representing the Sun Clan and Little Eagle Clan. A nationally recognized expert with 30 years of experience, Heidi celebrates family, culture, and community from an Indigenous worldview, improving the social-emotional health of children, families, and professionals. Heidi has been a National Facilitator with the Brazelton Touchpoints Center since 2013. She has served as a Tribal Head Start Director, Past President of the New Mexico Association for Infant Mental Health, and Board Member for the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.

Training Provider: Brazelton Touchpoints Center