The Cedar Bluff toddler was born with frontal encephalocele, a neural tube defect, as well as a cleft palate. She’s worn a protective helmet since she was an infant and only recently was able to attend a day care in Columbus for children with special needs.

Doctors at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis told her parents, Tishana and Quantrel Alford, that Zoey could face up to 13 surgeries over the course of her life.

But, earlier this year, they found a doctor at Boston Children’s Hospital who told them Zoey’s reconstructive surgery could be completed in as little as three operations.