Amblyopia, or “lazy eye,” is the loss of one eye’s ability to see details. 

     “Watch it! That’s my bad eye!”  Karly Combs often jokes.  Although she kids around, her condition is serious.  She has amblyopia in her left eye.  Nurse Claywell discovered it during Karly’s regular sixth grade check up. 

    “I didn’t really believe it,” Karly stated.  Unfortunately, amblyopia cannot be cured.

     Another trial North County senior Karly Combs has had to overcome is being born without a hip bone.  Her femoral head, the little round bone that rotates in the socket, was nowhere to be found when she was born.  Doctors had to  put braces on her for about eighteen months.  Yes, kind of like Forrest Gump.  The braces held her hips stationary long enough for the bone to grow.  Other than occasional hip lock ups, Karly toughs it out.

    You would think these conditions would hold her back, but if anything, they have taught Karly to work harder for what she wants.   Nothing seems to slow this driven, A-honor roll student. 

    As a matter of fact, since she was three, Karly has taken dance classes.  Along with dance, cheerleading has filled much of her time.  All of Karly’s activities are balanced with her school work, participation in senior choir, and numerous community service projects. 

    When this well-rounded leader was asked if she wouldn’t let anything stop her, she nonchalantly replied “pretty much.”