Terminally ill Utah girl who received over 189K Christmas cards turns 7


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FOUNTAIN GREEN, Sanpete County — A little girl facing an undiagnosed terminal illness celebrated a major milestone Wednesday — her 7th birthday.

And on this special day, Addie Fausett's family finally received some answers about her illness.

"She has been doing about the same," said Tami Fausett, Addie's mother. "She hasn't really gotten worse, but not any better."

Nearly a year after receiving a terminal diagnosis, Addie is still as happy as ever, even though last fall doctors gave her a year to live.

She captured the hearts of people around the world last year, as Christmas cards poured in for what may have been her last Christmas.

"I am hoping we get another Christmas," Fausett said. "As of right now, it is looking good to me."

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And that has everyone who knows and loves Addie celebrating as she turns 7.

Ever since Addie stopped growing at age 3, the cause of her cerebral atrophy has remained a mystery to her doctors.

In May, she traveled to Boston Children's Hospital for specialized DNA testing. On Wednesday, her family got some results about a genetic mitochondrial disease.

"She had 100 percent of the cells they tested had a variant in it, but it was variant that had never been reported before," Fausett said. "They have never seen that variant before."

> [](https://www.facebook.com/495996650542271/videos/626387147503220/)HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE ADDIE! > > Posted by [Little Addie](https://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Addie/495996650542271) on Wednesday, September 2, 2015


More mitochondrial DNA testing will follow, as doctors try to better understand Addie's condition. Unfortunately there is no cure. She still weighs just 23 pounds.

But the love and concern from people around the world continues. She still gets a few cards, but most of the support comes through social media such as her Facebook page, Little Addie.

"It has given us something to think about instead of just worry," Fausett said.

And even though Addie doesn't speak anymore, her laugh and her smile continues to touch people's hearts.

"There is something that draws everyone to her," Fausett said. "I am not really sure what it is. I am her mom, so I think she is amazing."

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