In 2008, Alyssa Whitson was left for dead after a former coworker attacked her at their place of business during a robbery. While she was lucky to survive the gun shots fired into the back of her head, she now lives with complications as a result of the brain injury. In celebration of her 51st birthday, Alyssa was granted a birthday wish to meet someone else who lives with a disability, Winter the dolphin. Alyssa and a few members of her former care team at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota took a trip to Clearwater Marine Aquarium, to engage with Winter, who has a prosthetic fin. “I just want people to know that miracles happen; and if they are facing adversity or have a head injury, they can triumph over it,” said Alyssa.