7-Year-Old Girl with Cerebral Palsy, Sings National Anthem And Surprises The Crowd

Oct 09, 2018

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the President of the United States for twelve years. Famously, he once said "Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.” He said that during his Presidency, and while dealing with polio that crippled him. Seven year-old Olivia Towles of Lexington, Kentucky also knows the strength of courage.

Towles was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and struggles with the disease daily. The Cerebral Palsy Foundation speaks about palsy and explains how this neurological disease negatively impacts body movement, motor functions, and muscle coordination.

It really is a debilitating combination of symptoms, and - quite sadly - there is no cure for cerebral palsy yet. However, that doesn't stop Olivia from taking control of her life as much as possible! Just recently, Olivia shocked the crowd at a Lexington Legends Minor League baseball game, while simultaneously inspiring them. So, how did she do it? Little Olivia decided to go in front of the entire stadium and sing "The Star-Spangled Banner".

Now, even a lot of adults can't do this (you might remember Roseanne...) but for Olivia, she had no fear in jumping right into it. Because of her cerebral palsy, Olivia needed help from her mother - Courtney - to get to the microphone and to stand in front of it. Courtney was there for physical and moral support but was also worried that something might go wrong and embarrass Olivia.

Olivia was cool and calm. She told Inside Edition that the huge crowd or the complexity of the song weren't worries to her at all. Her mother explained that Olivia was quite familiar with the song because she had previously sung it at her school, and it was from that performance that the Lexington Legends asked her to sing during one of their playoff games. Olivia says she was thrilled when asked to perform, and had no doubts about doing it - not even for a second. When she sang it, she did an amazing job, and had the crowd ecstatic. 

Her bravery and courage in going up to that microphone to sing it is true to the spirit of Francis Scott Key's "The Star Spangled Banner", written in 1812. The History Channel tells of how Key penned it after watching the fight between the British and Americans during The War of 1812 and how the song is a tribute to bravery and heroics.

Olivia's fantastic rendition of our National Anthem is making its way all across the internet and inspiring the entire country. Olivia's mother hopes that it will inspire a new generation of children with disabilities to overcome their affliction and to realize just how brave they can be.

What do you think of Olivia Towles' performance of our National Anthem? Sound off and tell us what you feel! And make sure to let everyone know of this little girl's bravery and courage in the face of her debilitating disease.