Alyssa was born with a rare birth defect that severely impacts her kidneys and bowels. Born with no rectal opening, she has undergone multiple reconstructive surgeries and lived with a colostomy bag for years. She still uses a catheter to urinate, which she has to change every two hours, but Alyssa has made tremendous progress toward becoming fully continent. Despite her medical challenges, Alyssa is committed to living life to its fullest. After being bullied in the fourth grade, she made the brave decision to give a presentation to her whole class about her condition. She says her care team at Children’s Colorado provides her with support and reassurance when she wants to give up. As a patient ambassador, she hopes to be a positive role model to children with similar medical conditions, and she dreams of someday becoming a fashion designer or worship pastor.