Anwyn Watts, a 7 year old girl from Naples, Florida, went through multiple brain surgeries after a serious medical condition left her unable to walk or speak for a period of time.
After months of recovery in the hospital, she slowly began regaining the abilities she had lost. One of the first things she was able to do again was sing, marking an important moment in her healing journey.
During her time in the hospital, drag performers Miss Bouvèé and Dixie Longate visited her to offer support and encouragement. Their presence helped lift her spirits during a very difficult recovery period.
Before her illness, Anwyn had shown support for drag performers in her community. When she faced her own health struggles, members of that same community showed up to support her in return.
Her story gained attention later as an example of kindness, connection, and community support during recovery. She was also named the city’s first Princess of Pride, highlighting her journey and the people who stood beside her.
Seven-year-old Anwyn Watts from Naples, Florida, is making a miraculous recovery following a life-threatening medical emergency caused by a rare brain tumor and brain bleed earlier in the year. Despite initial concerns that she might lose her ability to walk, speak, hear, or see, she is out of the hospital and was crowned the official Naples Princess of Pride.
Anwyn’s inspiring journey to recovery has been marked by remarkable milestones:
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- Medical Status: Following weeks of emergency surgeries, medical comas, and four months of treatment at Holtz Children’s Hospital in Miami, Anwyn returned home to Naples this spring. While she currently relies on a wheelchair and requires ongoing therapies and treatments, her doctors describe her recovery as an absolute miracle.
- Community Support & Advocacy: As a fierce ally of the LGBTQ+ community, Anwyn’s story touched many lives. In late March 2026, drag queens Miss Bouvèé and Dixie Longate visited her in the hospital, which helped Anwyn sing again after the surgery. In April, she was officially crowned the “Naples Princess of Pride”.
- Meeting Her Hero: During her hospital stay, Anwyn found immense comfort in watching local meteorologist Jason from Gulf Coast News Today. After writing a song for him, she was able to meet him in person at Baker Park in mid-April.
Her family has set up a GoFundMe to assist with medical bills, rehabilitation equipment, and travel expenses for her continuing care
