2-year-old with spina bifida has sweetest reaction to Barbie that's 'just like her'
A 2-year-old is spreading smiles after an adorable video of her showing off her Barbie was viewed by thousands on Facebook.
Ella Rogers was born with spina bifida and uses a wheelchair. When her mom and dad gifted her a Barbie who also uses a wheelchair, the doll became her new favorite toy.
Ella's mom Lacey Rogers captured Ella interacting with the doll and smiling ear-to-ear. Ella's sweet reaction gained attention after ABC News affiliate ABC 6 WSYX/WTTE shared the story.
"She adores it," Rogers of Johnstown, Ohio, told "Good Morning America. "It's a Barbie that's just like her. It's special because she can relate...they went as far to make the brakes actually work on the wheelchair which astounds me."
Ella was born was spina bifida and diagnosed in the womb when Rogers was 24 weeks pregnant. One week before the diagnosis, Rogers lost Ella's twin sister.
"It was surreal because we were having twin girls. We were excited. Then when we lost her sister and my pregnancy kind of went down hill after there. I was afraid I'd lose [Ella] too."
Ella was born Aug. 3. She also has Chiari malformation -- a condition in which brain tissue extends into the spinal canal, which delays her speech. She communicates through sign language and receives speech, physical therapy and occupational therapy. Ella is paralyzed from mid-chest down, Rogers said.
Despite health challenges, Ella's mom describes her as the "happiest baby.
"She brings so much joy to so many people," Rogers said. "She's very sweet, very easy going."
Rogers and husband Bobby sent the picture of Ella opening her Barbie to Mattel, the company which makes the doll and later, a video of her playing with it.
"I was just thanking them for the inclusion of my daughter."
Rogers said Ella enjoys playing with her doll collection with her 5-year-old brother, Zachary.
