As parents, we all look at our children and think that they are the most beautiful and perfect creatures on earth. I don't think I was prepared for the rare beauty I was to receive with my second child. I'm a true believer that beauty is more than skin deep. Yet, here was that magical combination of physical beauty and a spiritual strength and fortitude that is so rare we sometimes miss it. So it only made sense that we named her after the perfect essence of beauty, a Rose.

My daughter's name is CarlyRose and she definitely is that: a rare and perfect rose, beautiful and fragile with a sweet intoxicating aroma of purity and strength. As I first started writing this article, I realized how much there was to say. How do you put into words something that in a moment changes all you believe to be true? Something that moves your stability and completely puts you onto new ground? It's terrifying and yet exciting to be on a new pathway of life. You sharpen your intuition skills and learn that your inner voice is your only path.

CarlyRose was born with a rare genetic disorder – so rare, in fact, that there is only one other human being who has the same disorder as my daughter. Because CarlyRose has completely unique challenges (even different than the other person who has the same disorder), my husband and I were swept away with genetic bombardment in a maze of information. We became experts in the field.

Physically, CarlyRose had many challenges when she was born. She had a heart murmur and a small hole in her heart. She was missing her right thumb; had no hearing in her right ear; was unable to eat by mouth because of a underdeveloped uvula and small jaw; and had the worse case of reflux the specialist had ever seen. She also had the visual problem of myopia. Because of the terrible reflux, CarlyRose would choke and aspirate, often creating pneumonia. My entire family lived in and out of the hospital for over three months during her first year of life. We were extremely fortunate to be introduced to some wonderful healers here in Anchorage. With the wonderful love and support of these men and women, my daughter is alive today.

Being a massage therapist, I knew the power of natural healing. Yet I also knew that both sides – traditional Western medicine and alternative healing -- were treading on new ground with CarlyRose. One of the greatest challenges of having such a rare child is that no one is an expert on what will support her best. There were no research papers or books written on my daughter's illness, her diagnosis or her prognosis. How could there be? This took me to new heights as a mother. I was – and still am – put to the test using my women's intuition and motherly instinct.

My daughter turned 2 at the end of September. I am so grateful for every moment I have had with her. She is absolutely amazing in every aspect of life. Through her, I have definitely learned the word miracle. We have traveled down unmarked territory as only true pioneers can. Some of the path was treacherous, and yet I remember those moments of pure joy sent to me with long eyelashes and a toothless smile.

My daughter is no longer a baby – we have definitely moved into the toddler zone! New challenges and new directions lay before us. I am in the beginning stages of creating a foundation for my daughter and others who feel they are the "only ones." One of our projects will be based in Anchorage. It will allow children with physical and health challenges to have the privilege of holistic health care. I also have a passion for education and helping to bring awareness to the public of alternative health care.

I have had a dream for many years that someday in the United States, Western medicine and Holistic or Alternative medicine will join hands to create a sense of wellness for all of the body. I believe that CarlyRose and I can make a difference in this area. We will definitely spend the rest of our lives trying!

Instead of fighting against the system as we know it, we need to educate everyone and let the path unfold for all to follow. I love the children and believe that all children need to be given the best possible chance for wellness in all areas of their lives. I'm sure if we look closely, we all have miracle children to teach us unconditional love and beauty in our world. My prayer is that we all do our part to rid this world of ignorance and prejudice – both for my Rose and yours.

Michele Aitken is a massage therapist specializing in cranio-sacral therapy, especially for children in need. For more information on the foundation for CarlyRose and other children with rare disorders, call Michele at (907) 522-4430 (home); 279-4653 (work); or email: aitken@alaska.net