When Mishika was 8 years old, her family noticed one of her feet was becoming misshapen, causing her challenges in walking. She was referred to Children’s Hospital Colorado, where she was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, a rare genetic neuromuscular disease that causes nerve damage, mostly in the arms and legs. CMT can also cause spinal abnormalities – and Mishika also has scoliosis.

As a result of her disease, which was uncovered through genetic testing, Mishika’s muscles are weak. She has a hard time holding onto or gripping objects, her balance is off, and she cannot perform many critical movements with her hands, such as zipping and tying. Specialists at the hospital worked with Mishika and her parents, Menka and Amit, to come up with a treatment plan. Ultimately, the young girl needed reparative surgeries on her foot and spine. With the help of walking sticks and foot braces, along with occupational and physical therapy, Mishika has been able to maintain her mobility.

Today, Mishika is 14 years old and in middle school. Her favorite subject is math, and one day, she wants to be a lawyer or doctor. She also loves to swim, play the piano and draw – one of her pieces was included in a recent art exhibition.