Audrey Rose Walker is a living, breathing miracle. You see, Audrey wasn't supposed to be inspiring people, but she's doing so everyday. She wasn't supposed to be a walking example of courage, but here she is. In fact, Audrey wasn't even supposed to survive her birth, but today she's an amazing 9-year old girl.
When Jim and Heather Walker went to get an initial ultrasound on their expected baby, they were given news that no loving parents want or deserve to hear. Their doctor's informed them that the baby would be born dead or, if lucky, come out blue and need immediate life-saving surgery. Against all odds, Audrey survived her birth, and came out pink and crying. All was not well however, as Audrey still faced significant challenges with her health and overall survival.
Audrey was born with severe heart disease and Bilateral Anophthalmia (the absence of eyeballs). The Walker's were told that Audrey would die before the age of two if surgeries didn't work. In his research, Audrey's father Jim came across Dr. Frank Hanley who was 30 minutes away at Stanford's Lucille Packard's Children's hospital. Dr. Hanley had developed a procedure called Unifocalization which he used on Audrey in order to save her life. In this procedure, misdirected blood vessels are rerouted into a single vessel (or into the pulmonary artery if it's present), which is then attached to the right ventricle of the heart through a conduit called a homograft. This restores the normal circulation from the lungs to the heart. After that, the hole in the ventricle wall is repaired. This type of surgery is very complex, can take up to 10 hours, and generally keeps the patient in the hospital for weeks. Overall, Audrey endured three open heart surgeries, several heart catheterizations, and other associated procedures. She also came close to dying after her throat closed in the hospital, but was saved by Dr. Peter Koltai who, miraculously, just happened to be walking by.
Despite her early trials, Audrey persevered and was talking at seven months old. By the time she was 17 months, she was not only singing, but was able to belt out complete songs.
Audrey's courage is an inspiration to all she comes across, and she's developed a strong bond to so many people throughout her life because of it. One special bond just happens to be with her favorite football team, the San Francisco 49ers. Audrey belongs to Camp Taylor, which is a free, medically supervised camp for Children with heart disease. The camp asked Audrey to go on stage with Niner's quarterback Colin Kaepernick at his 2nd Annual 'Against All Odds' Golf Tournament. With no idea of what was going to happen, Audrey took the stage and wowed the crowd and Colin with her humor and personality. She even asked Kaepernick if he would "marry her," which was a touching moment that brought smiles to all involved.
Audrey has also used her singing ability to touch lives, as she's sung the National Anthem at various events including Antoine Bethea's Celebrity Softball game. Bethea had advertised that he was looking for a singer on Twitter, and Audrey's father submitted her name. The family was very thankful she was chosen for the event.
Despite her making the most of life, Audrey is still faced with daily challenges no one, especially a young child, should have to endure. Her blindness makes daily life difficult, as she has a hard time getting around, often hurting herself in the process. She is totally dependent on other people for her safety and security and it's taken an emotional toll on her. Through all of this, Audrey's dad says she never complains and she has a "wonderful, positive personality." She is constantly thinking about other people, and even asked to be a Make A Wish worker so she could help other kids be happy. Make a Wish motivated Audrey to do a little something for herself as well, and she will meet the 49ers on October 2nd!
While Audrey will never be able to see, there are still ways she can enhance her daily experiences, and that's where the caring and compassion of the public comes in. Please take a look at Audrey's "Go Fund Me" page, and read through what her father has written about her (it definitely moved me). You can tell she comes from a loving, supportive family, but could also use some items to help with her day-to-day.
It's people like Audrey that make this world all the more special, and there's no doubt she's here to serve a purpose. Let's make her story of struggle and triumph as well known as possible, as she's truly an inspiration.
Al Sacco has been covering the 49ers since 2013, and has had his work used by national outlets such as ESPN and USA TODAY. If you'd like to reach Al with a media request, please contact him via Twitter @AlSacco49
The opinions within this article are those of the writer and, while just as important, are not necessarily those of the site as a whole.
PFF mock draft has 49ers adding cornerback with 'unique fluidity and size'
By David Bonilla
Apr 10
Analyst Steve Palazzolo unveiled a first-round mock draft for Pro Football Focus, attempting to forecast the selections for each NFL team within the top 32 picks. While the San Francisco 49ers concentrated on strengthening the defensive line in free agency, Palazzolo envisions the team continuing to fortify that side of the ball.
In his mock draft, Palazzolo predicts that the 49ers will select former Iowa State cornerback T.J. Tampa with the No. 31 overall pick.
"Tampa's unique fluidity and size for a cornerback make him worthy of a top-75 pick," reads the analysis from Pro Football Focus' big board. "If he can clean up his footwork, he can
Deebo Samuel and Brock Purdy are why the 49ers can afford to pay Brandon Aiyuk
By David Bonilla
Apr 10
It's evident that the San Francisco 49ers engaged in long-term financial planning. Much discussion has centered around the feasibility of the team committing significant financial resources to two wide receivers, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. Some skeptics question the wisdom of such heavy investment in a single position, especially considering that the 49ers handed Samuel a substantial three-year extension merely two years ago.
Adding complexity to this debate is the impending contract extension for quarterback Brock Purdy, positioning him to become the highest-paid player on the team. He will likely even become one of the NFL's highest-paid players. Where he ranks in average salary will depend upon whether he can replicate the stellar performance of his Pro Bowl 2023
49ers Notebook: Local Pro Day Features Legacy WR and Veteran QB Hoping to Earn Roster Spots
By David Bonilla
Apr 10
With the NFL Draft just two weeks away, the San Francisco 49ers hosted their annual local pro day at Levi's Stadium. The event showcased 44 players, including four veterans, all vying to impress coaches and team decision-makers and earn a roster spot. The 49ers have 10 selections in the upcoming draft.
NFL local pro days provide draft prospects with ties to the local area an opportunity to showcase their talents to team personnel. These prospects typically hail from nearby colleges or have other connections to the region where the team is based.
Terrell's Son Seeks an Opportunity
Hall of
The San Francisco 49ers have experienced success in the latter two days of the draft, discovering hidden gems capable of becoming key contributors. Some examples include tight end George Kittle in the fifth round in 2017, linebacker Fred Warner in the third round in 2018, wide receiver Deebo Samuel in the second round in 2019, and, famously, quarterback Brock Purdy with the final overall pick in 2022.
Pro Football Focus recently pinpointed one draft fit for each team on Day 2 and another for Day 3. Contributor Dalton Wasserman handled the duties for Day 2, zeroing in on former Oregon defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus, who can excel on the edge or interior in
