Last fall, Alissa Perkins entered the hearts and homes of the local community during the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open as one of the hospitals’ patient ambassadors. Last night, the 2-year-old Las Vegas native born with fibular Hemimelia, had the opportunity to step in front of numerous fans and supporters to drop the puck at the Las Vegas Wranglers game.
Joined by her parents, Mark and Tara, and her older brother Nicholas, Alissa was escorted onto the ice and took center stage as she prepared to drop the puck at the Orleans Arena. Wranglers’ Barry Goers and Utah Grizzlies’ Ryan Turek squared off as the little girl started the game with a big smile on her face, melting the hearts of fans as they cheered her on during her big moment.
Originally finding Shriners Hospitals for Children through the annual tournament at TPC Summerlin, Alissa received her first prosthesis just prior to her first birthday and was walking a month later. Now a participant in gymnastics and a natural at the balance beam, Alissa continues to serve as a reminder of the exceptional care and commitment provided by the health care system. A patient at the Los Angeles hospital, Alissa and her family are a true testament to the exemplary care that reaches beyond the hospitals’ borders, including the city of Las Vegas.
Photo credit: J. C. Bosworth Photography.