Ariel Shelby Hood

Ariel Shelby Hood was born May 23, 1999 in Dallas, Texas and was freed from Myotonic Dystrophy July 7, 2021.

Ariel was diagnosed with Myotonic Dystrophy at birth and was never expected to walk or talk and was predicted to begin deteriorating at 5 years of age, but she defied the odds. Ariel walked, talked, and even ran as fast as she could when she competed in Special Olympics.

Ariel was an adrenaline junkie who loved haunted houses, roller coasters, Paw Patrol, swimming, dancing, big family gatherings, and the MDA Muscle Walk. Although her disability didn’t allow her to smile, she had a contagious laugh and a wonderful sense of humor.

The family wishes to thank her physicians Dr. Susan Iannaccone (Pediatric Neurology) and Dr. Peter Schochet (Pediatric Pulmonology) who were instrumental in giving Ariel 22 years of a fun-filled life in the face of a devastating disease. In addition, they would like to thank all of the Forney ISD teachers and staff who invested in her.

Those left to cherish her memory include her parents; Bob and Stacey; sister, Alexis Head; niece, Kennedy Regalado; nephew, River King; grandparents, Alan and Susan Head; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

The family hosted a memorial service in Ariel’s honor on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at 2:00PM at Community Life Church in Forney. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to UT Southwestern Medical Center, PO Box 910888, Dallas, TX 75391-0888 or online at engage.utsouthwestern.edu/donate-now to support the research of Susan Iannaccone, M.D.