Dee Dee Blancharde had Gypsy at age 24, the father was 17.  Separated soon after, Dee Dee and Gypsy moved in with her father and stepmother. Gypsy starts to develop sleep apnea at 3 months old. They also found a chromosome disease that slowed her development. In a wheelchair since age 7 because of muscular dystrophy. She also had leukemia and a feeding tube. In 2005 their apartment was destroyed in 2005 due to Hurricane Katrina. Lost all the medical files. Moved to Missouri and started fresh. Given a new house from habitat for humanity as well as a make a wish trip, in addition to many other perks.