'Teen Mom 2' Star's Daughter Diagnosed With Muscular Dystrophy: 'It's Brought Us Extremely Close Together,' Says Leah Messer-Calvert
"Teen Mom 2" star Leah Messer-Calvert finally has a diagnosis for daughter Aliannah, and it's not a good one. The 4-year-old was recently diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, a devastating disease that has no known cure. But Calvert says the family will do whatever is necessary to keep Aliannah going.
"We were scared because we didn't know what her future was going to look like, but we always pushed for answers," Calvert told In Touch. "We never gave up, and we never will. We'll do everything we can to make sure Ali ahs the life that she needs."
It wasn't long after 16-year-old Calvert gave birth to her twins that she noticed something was different about Aliannah. The little girl was not developing as quickly as her twin sister, Aleeah, and had trouble walking and moving about. This led Calvert and then-husband, and father of the twins, Corey Simms, to begin a four-year search to find answers.
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Aliannah underwent numerous neurological and physical tests, with no results. But Calvert and Simms kept fighting to discover what was ailing their daughter and how they could offer her the best life possible. Even though they divorced, and Calvert remarried a man named Jeremy, the three are working together to ensure that Aliannah has all she needs.
"Ali's condition has brought us all extremely close together," Calvert explained. "We have to stay strong for Ali, and things are going good."
But the family has a long, hard road ahead of them. Muscular dystrophy is a ferocious disease affecting all of the muscles in Aliannah's body. She has already been using a wheelchair when the family goes out but is still able to walk somewhat.
"The disorder affects her respiratory system and progresses the older she gets," Calvert said. "The bigger she gets and the more weight she gains, the harder it'll be for her muscles to carry the weight."
Family, friends, and fans have offered their support to the family and Aliannah throughout this difficult time. Their story will unfold more on the new season of "Teen Mom 2," which airs Tuesday nights on MTV.
