How 4-year-old Everleigh has made huge strides at United Ability

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After Everleigh Odom was born at 23 weeks in 2020, she spent her first year at The University of Alabama at Birmingham Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Children’s of Alabama. Now, she’s a happy four-year-old living a full life with her parents, Crystal and Alex, and her big sister, Adeline.

Read on to hear from her parents about her special story and how United Ability plays a huge role.

Everleigh has seen major improvement at United Ability

Everleigh was born at just 23 weeks and five days old. She had an underdeveloped heart, lungs and organs, which led to complications including pulmonary hypertension.

Over time, she as diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and cerebral palsy.

After receiving incredible care for 14 months at UAB and Children’s, she was able to go home with her family where she immediately began early intervention services with United Ability.

“She couldn’t roll over or sit up when we started. They helped her grow socially, developmentally and physically.

They gave us so many tools and the knowledge to help us give her a chance to thrive with us at home.”

Crystal Odom

Everleigh loves her weekly therapy sessions

Everleigh goes to outpatient therapy every Thursday and receives physical, occupational and speech therapy. We were able to tag along as she and her physical therapist, Katie, headed out the door for time on the playground.

It was clear how much Everleigh enjoyed being there—from her eagerness to get outside with the other kids to her attentiveness to Katie and other therapists.

“We’ve seen such a different child since Everleigh started at United Ability. Every week she does something new. They treat us like family and she truly loves coming here.

Even just a year ago, she wasn’t walking. She’s now walking, working on feeding plans and doing so many things we didn’t know were even possible.”

Alex Odom

Both parents expressed how thankful they are for the awesome team of therapists at United Ability.

“Their therapy style is so good for Everleigh. They know exactly when she’s having an off day, when she’s ready to try something new or when she needs a push.”

Crystal Odom

United Ability Day is May 10, 2024

On May 10, you can support United Ability and families like Everleigh’s by wearing a United Ability Day shirt.

Wearing their “Inclusion is Good” shirt will spread awareness for United Ability’s life-changing work and help them to continue their advocacy for accessibility for all.

PS—This is a great opportunity to for individuals or companies to get involved in the community and support a local organization.

Order your shirt online or purchase at any Alabama Outdoors locations

Join us in supporting this incredible organization helping people like Everleigh thrive.

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