Spinal muscular atrophy is keeping little Alyssa Kotsopoulos from enjoying what other children her age take for granted.

This serious form of genetic motor neurone disease does not allow her to move her arms and legs. She has lived her entire life on a wheelchair or confined in bed.

Alyssa is turning 11 on 2 July and is also losing her ability to swallow and breathe without mechanical support.

Ten years ago, her parents Chris Kotsopoulos and Julianne Bujega were sat down in a hospital room to be told that she would not live to see her second birthday.

“Being pulled into an ICU to find out something like that is devastating, you feel like your heart and soul have been ripped out of you and stomped on a million times,” her mother Julianne tells Neos Kosmos.

“We stayed in that room day and night, holding her little hand, crying … and we have been pulled in that room a few times over the years but she is still with us.”

Alyssa can only move some facial muscles to express emotions, although her disease is slowly taking that away.

She used to attend a special school but her constantly deteriorating health does not allow her the risk of an infection or even a common cold.

To celebrate her birthday and make the most of her smile, the family plans to organise a special surprise party.

“We are asking if everyone could send Alyssa a card for her birthday,” her mum says.

“A picture your child has drawn or a letter saying hello, would make this day so special.”

Alyssa loves birthday cards, but her condition hasn’t helped her make friends. Her mother is determined to change that.

“We will do whatever makes her happy for as long as she is with us,” Mrs Kotsopoulos adds.

“If she receives enough cards and letters to cover every bit of wall in our house, I will do it, just to see her smile again.”

Send your birthday cards and wishes to:

Alyssa Kotsopoulos
PO Box 5409
Cairnlea,
Victoria Australia 3023
* For more information go to www.facebook.com/princessalyssak