Meet Moorea: Finding Her Happily Ever After

Just before leaving the hospital at 3 days old, a nurse detected a heart murmur that led to a devastating diagnosis: Moorea had Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic condition characterized by cardiovascular problems, developmental delays, and unique physical features.

As an infant, Moorea was small, extremely colicky, and had feeding challenges. After being told their 2-week-old baby needed surgery, Mo’s parents were sent home and told to monitor Mo closely—even crying too hard could cause her to have a stroke!

What followed were a myriad of medical appointments and ultimately several stent procedures.
Yet through every obstacle, Moorea’s joyful spirit endured. Known for her warmth, imagination, and love of music, Moorea brought light wherever she went.

But after high school, her future felt uncertain. Her parents worried she was stuck in a routine that no longer challenged or fulfilled her.

Then they discovered TERI.

Today, Moorea lives at one of TERI’s residential homes and attends enrichment programs at TERI’s Center for the Arts. Her parents say she has completely transformed. She’s growing through activities in theater, art, cooking classes, and enjoying her newfound independence. Every day, Mo is learning, creating, discovering herself and her talents.

From a little girl who loved Disneyland and the fairy tale stories of Disney princesses, Mo has gone from Homecoming Queen at Laguna Beach High School to a thriving adult.

For Moorea’s family, TERI has become something they once only hoped: that Mo would find her happily ever after. And she has.