Iris Elaine roberts was born on July 25th, 1997 in Alachua County Florida. She is currently 10 years old and was diagnosed at birth with a progressive neuromuscular disease known as Myotonia Congenita Muscular Dystrophy.

Enrolled in public school in Lake City Florida, Iris participates in typical school activities, as well as social, club, and church events. She is an active member of the Columbia County 4-H Club and enters projects in the Columbia County Fair every year. She is the first little league cheerleader in Columbia County who uses a wheelchair.

Iris is an outgoing, bubbly little girl with a charismatic personality, making her a natural spokesperson for physically challenged children through avenues such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association, The Florida Professional Firefighters Association, and the Shriners. Iris had also served for two years as the State of Florida Goodwill Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

NOVEMBER 2007

In November of 2007, Iris had extensive surgery to install metal rods in her back to reverse the curvature of her vertebrae. Straightening the vertebrae was required to relieve the increasing pressure on her internal organs.

The day-long surgery was successful. However, it has created new demands for the way Iris is cared for. After 10 days in the Acute Care Division at Wolfson's Childrens Hospital, Iris spent 42 days at the Brooks Rehabilitation Facility in Jacksonville. Iris is now back at home, confronting some large challenges in everyday living.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Iris Roberts has been a regular on the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon and was also selected by the Morrocco Shrine Temple as their Shrine Bowl Queen for 2007.Iris represented all Shirner's Hospital children as a spokesperson at the North-South High School All-Star Football game, explaining how their contributions benefitted children with Physical challenges.

iris has spoken before Florida Governor Jeb Bush and his cabinet on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association on three different occasions. In April of 2007, the Florida Legislature honored Iris by naming House Bill 99 and Senate Bill 1946 as "The Iris Roberts Act." This was in recognition of her great effort to enable organizations, such as firefighters, to solicit on street corners to raise money for medical research and assistance for those with physical impairments.

Iris has strong faith, and even with the doctor's prognosis, she and her family believe in miracles and know they serve a mighty god. That faith, together with the love, prayers of many, and financial support of organizations, provides great hope for Iris and others with her condition.