Most people take for granted things like eating, breathing and walking, but for some, even the little things can be a challenge at times and are something to be thankful for.

Lacey Taylor is the daughter of Renee and Kevin Little. She loves YouTube, opera, Bible stories and, most of all, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and recently celebrated her 25th birthday at Chuck E. Cheese’s.

What makes Taylor’s situation unique is a year ago, just before her 24^th birthday, she was given two days to live. This wasn’t the first time doctors had given Renee this kind of news. Lacey has cerebral palsy, a disorder that affects muscle tone, movement and motor skills, and she wasn’t expected to live past the age of 3.

Her mother is continuously amazed at how far Lacey has come.

“The doctors gave her a three-year life expectancy. When she lived, they told us eight years was pushing it. They said she would never make it to be an adult,” Little remembered.

Despite her amazing spirit, Lacey’s health has recently begun to decline.

In March she had a mini-stroke, rendering her unable to move her left side. Speaking is much more difficult now. She has asthma and, most recently, a failed feeding tube. Doctors gave her six months to live last September.

“Some days are good, some are bad,” said Little. “Even though she was obviously not doing well, everyone kept telling us that in order for hospice to get involved she needed to lose six more pounds. She only weighed 59 pounds.”

After being denied three times for hospice, Little went to Probate Judge Bobby Martin for help. Martin was then able to get the Littles in touch with SouthernCare in Clanton.

“If it hadn’t been for Bobby Martin, Lacey wouldn’t be getting the care she needs. What he did really meant a lot to us,” said Little.

Lacey qualifies for hospice until October; after that her healthcare will end.

Renee is thankful for the time she’s had with SouthernCare and is sad to lose them.

“They are just exceptional; they really go beyond anything we ever expected.”