In what her family calls nothing short of a miracle, Alex Simpson of Nebraska celebrated her 20th birthday on November 4, despite being born with a rare condition that left her without most of her brain.
From infancy, doctors told her parents she would likely not live past four years old. The diagnosis: Hydranencephaly — a condition where large portions of the brain are missing and replaced by fluid. In Alex’s case, medical imaging showed only “about the size of a pinky‑finger” of brain matter at the back of her skull.
Yet here she is, two decades later, surrounded by loved ones who say she continues to show awareness beyond expectations. Though she cannot see or hear in the conventional sense, her younger brother says she appears to sense the emotions and distress of those around her: “If somebody’s stressed around her … Alex will know. She’ll feel something.”
Her parents attribute her longevity to more than medical care — they credit faith, love and devotion as the foundation supporting Alex’s life. They say every milestone reached has been filled with gratitude, not expectation.
Hydranencephaly is extremely rare and carries very poor prognosis — for most diagnosed children, survival beyond infancy is uncommon. Alex’s life challenges that grim outlook and offers a story of resilience, support and hope for families facing similar diagnoses.
