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Monday Motivation: Jacksonville family finds hope in 'living miracle'

Brianna Larrabee was born with a bleed on her brain and cerebral palsy. Not long after birth, she was diagnosed with scoliosis, chronic lung disease and restricted airway disease.

We often hear about miracles. One family is on a mission to give their ‘living miracle’ the best quality of life.

Brianna Larrabee was born with a bleed on her brain and cerebral palsy. Not long after birth, she was diagnosed with scoliosis, chronic lung disease and restricted airway disease.

Sarah Larrabee, Brianna Larrabee’s older sister says the hospital became Brianna Larrabee’s second home.

“She was actually a twin,” Sarah Larrabee said. “Her twin passed away at a month old with similar compilations.”

During most years of Brianna Larrabee’s life, she had multiple procedures. She’s currently 27 years old, yet challenged every day. Thankfully, Sarah Larrabee vowed to do anything for her little sister.

“I work with children with special needs so I think a lot of the strategies I’ve learned in the past few years has helped me be able to teach her more," Sarah Larrabee said.

Since 2016, Brianna Larrabee began using her words more often, thanks to Sarah Larrabee who has patiently worked to help develop her speech.

Back in August, Brianna Larrabee’s mother purchased her first home. It was a dream come true, but nearly a week after closing, Brianna was admitted back into the hospital.

“My sister ended up back in ICU," Sarah Larrabee said. They said her lung had collapsed."

She’s back home and the Larrabees are working towards adapting their new home to increase her quality of life.

“The things we take for granted, being able to brush their teeth or take a shower," Sarah Larrabee said. "I mean, it’s just so difficult for her to get from one room to another."

In the end, like any family, the Larrabees strive for a sense of comfort and normality.

“We just always stick together, and any challenge that comes, we push on and I just tell my mom we’re going to figure it out, and we figure it out,” Sarah Larrabee said.

To learn more about Brianna Larrabee and the Larrabees' mission to give their beloved daughter and sister the best quality of life, visit their GoFundMe page.

Click here to donate.

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