Alex Simpson Turns 20 After Being Born With “Almost No Brain”

In Omaha, Nebraska, Alex Simpson recently celebrated her 20th birthday—remarkable because, as a baby, she was diagnosed with Hydranencephaly, a condition in which most of the brain’s hemispheres are missing.

Her parents were told she had “no brain,” technically just a pinky-size remnant of her cerebellum. Doctors predicted she would not survive past age four.

Defying the Odds With Love, Faith, and Family

Despite the grim prognosis, Alex made it. Her parents, Shawn Simpson and Lorena Simpson, credit their faith and unwavering care. Alex cannot see or hear in the traditional sense, but her family believes she senses presence and emotion.

Her younger brother, SJ, says Alex will react—even when someone nearby is hurt or stressed, “she’ll feel something.”

A Milestone That Matters

On November 4, 2025, the Simpson family marked a milestone once thought impossible. Alex’s birthday is more than personal—it’s symbolic. It highlights how rare and often fatal hydranencephaly normally is (survival typically measured in months, not decades. The family told local media: “Twenty years ago we were scared, but faith, I think, is really what kept us alive.”

What This Story Tells Us

Alex’s story isn’t just about biology. It’s a reminder that medicine often deals in probabilities, not certainties. It showcases the power of family, care, and sometimes, belief, in the face of the impossible.

While her condition means she will always face challenges, her unexpected milestone offers hope—and a shift in perspective—on what survival and life can look like.

Looking Forward

For the Simpsons, Alex turning 20 isn’t the endpoint—it’s part of a journey they continue together. The story invites us to reconsider how we discuss disability, expected life spans, and quality of life. Alex may never use words, but her life speaks volumes about resilience, love, and redefining “limitation.”

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