Family wants to show children with microcephaly can thrive

The mother of a child with a disorder associated with Zika is pushing to bring more awareness to the condition.

In June, we introduced you to Ansley Rice. She was born with microcephaly but did not get it from the Zika virus.
           
Katie Rice, Ansley's mom, believes showing her child's success can help other families.

Ansley has beaten the odds. She just checked out of the hospital after a three-week stint and continues to prove kids born with microcephaly can thrive.

Ansley and her family are getting ready for a big day on Friday: Microcephaly Awareness Day.

Katie Rice sees it as a day to share the toddler's success.

"They told us she wouldn't see 1, she wouldn't see 2. And here we are," Rice said.

Babies born with microcephaly have small heads and brains.

The Zika virus has put the disease in the spotlight.

But Rice hopes another message becomes a part of the worldwide conversation.

"It's been around before Zika. It's not just Zika," Rice said.

Ansley does not have the Zika virus and her mother wants people to know there are other ways babies can get it.

"It also can be genetic, or intro-utero infections or sometimes be drug-related," Rice said.

She said Ansley is full of life and love just like any other child.

"Just because you have microcephaly, doesn't mean life stops," Rice said.

Friday is Microcephaly Awareness Day so wear yellow to show your support. If you wear yellow, Ansley's family is asking you take a picture and post it to social media with #AnsleyIsFancy and #MicroSelfie.

Cox Media Group