"It's really amazing to sit back and just watch Alissa sometimes; she amazes me every day and is truly the happiest person I have ever met."

My name is Lisa Arturo Corazzini and I am the mother of Alissa Corazzini.

Alissa is 14 years old and has partial trisomy 13/partial monosomy 14.  At the time of her birth there was very little information available and no internet!  Alissa is doing exceptionally well.  She's in the 9th grade and loves to go to school; she especially loves to ride the bus.  

Alissa doesn't speak, but she understands everything and despite not being verbal (she does not sign either), she communicates better than a lot of people I know that are verbal.  It's really amazing to sit back and just watch her sometimes; she amazes me every day and is truly the happiest person I have ever met.
 
I've attached a few pictures of Alissa.  Unfortunately all the on-line pictures I have contain other family members in them (Uncle Josh and Nana are in these). I would love to be able to help someone deal with this new experience.   I know that when my daughter was born it was very difficult to find other mothers with tri-13 children and it took me a long time to come to terms with the wonderful challenge God has given me.  

If I can be of any help to others I would welcome the opportunity.
 
Lisa Arturo
lcorazzini@socal.rr.com