Orland Park Girl Celebrates 10th Birthday Milestone With CDKL5 Condition

Savannah Taylor of Orland Park, Illinois, celebrated her tenth birthday while defying the odds of a rare genetic condition, Patch reported. She was diagnosed at one year old with CDKL5 deficiency disorder, a condition that causes severe developmental delays and early onset epileptic seizures. [1]

Patch reported that Taylor lives with severe challenges from her condition, including being blind, nonverbal, and unable to walk. Her mother, Kelli Komar, stated that the milestone birthday is significant for individuals with this diagnosis, especially after Taylor survived life threatening seizures and a hospitalization during the previous spring. [1]

According to Boston Childrens Hospital, as cited by Patch, CDKL5 causes early onset and hard to control epileptic seizures that typically begin within the first few months of a child's life. Taylor's family is marking the milestone with a fundraiser as they celebrate her survival and ongoing battle. [1]