Medical problems are no match for this grad's determination

She doesn't define herself by the standards others set.
Kortney Danson, who graduated from Mariner High School last week, was born with a condition that causes hundreds of tiny tumors and cysts to swell inside her left cheek and upper lip, paralyzing her facial expressions.
She has undergone more agonizing surgeries to remove the growths than she can count. She was 11 months old when she had her first. Her most recent was shortly before mid-winter break of her senior year. Her future includes surgeries every two years.