Wonder – Local Girl Beating the Odds

There is no doubt that Rylee Howerton is an extraordinary girl. Born with a rare and often fatal chromosomal disorder, Rylee was given a 5% chance of making it to her 1st birthday and only a 1% chance of seeing her 10th Birthday. Today, at 12.5 years old, she is thriving and doing it all.

Rylee’s chromosomal disorder is rare, Partial Mosaic Trisomy 18. It generally presents with heart problems,  kidney tumors and epilepsy. Rylee does take medication to control her epilepsy, but otherwise is healthy in a way that puzzles  doctors nationally.

Rylee’s chromosome disorder was picked up in a routine amniocentesis and Rylee’s mother was strongly encouraged to terminate the pregnancy, being told it was incompatible with life.  That went against the Howerton ’s fundamental beliefs and they are so glad they opposed the doctor’s orders.

“She was born with a purpose. There are so many moms going through this and Rylee is their ray of hope,” says her mother, Julie Howerton, with s smile.

“Wonder” by Natalie Merchant is Rylee’s song. The lyrics line up with Rylee’s story and it was written for children just like her, that defy the odds. Julie has always shared this with Rylee and when the song comes on Rylee will still say “ That’s my song.”

Although Rylee’s physical health is a wonder to modern medicine,  she still faces many challenges. At six years old, Rylee was also diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  She struggles with impulse control, trusts too much and reads and writes below grade level. Yet her capabilities, love for life and smile outshine them all.

On any given day you might see Rylee looking tough as nails in a football uniform or you may just see her in a gown and heels donning a crown.

“Because of her uncertain future, I raised her to believe that she can do and be anything,” says Rylee’s mother, Julie Howerton.

When Rylee’s brother Camden got involved with football a few years back, Rylee’s interest was sparked. Now she is a linebacker, the only girl playing on an all boys team.

“Rylee is the epitome of perseverance and she has the most beautiful blinders, “ says Rylee’s mother, Julie Howerton. “She doesn’t see strange looks or disapproving body language. She doesn’t care about Male or female, race, religion, rich or poor, etc… She just loves people, all people. And once the coaches began to accept her, then the boys accepted her too.”

Rylee was recently, crowned International United Miss NJ. In fact , she currently holds three state pageant titles: Miss Amazing Preteen, Royal International Miss New Jersey Preteen and International United Miss New Jersey Preteen.

Choosing Wise Words is Rylee’s  platform. She speaks to anyone and everyone she can about the importance of choosing their words carefully.  Pledge cards signed by Miss America, Cara Mund are offered and Rylee shares how the “R- word” has personally hurt her as a someone who has been diagnosed on the autism spectrum.  Rylee is available  for appearances and loves to speak to groups, clubs and classes about this issue. Rylee has a book in the works called “Choose Wise Words” that  parents and teachers can use to help teach their children the importance of this.

When Rylee grows up, she wants to be a Science teacher for the deaf. She loves sign language and shows her skills off in the many pageants she competes in.

“Wonder”  by Natalie Merchant