Pregnancy is often challenging for many women, not only physically but also due to worries about the baby’s well-being. Most women feel relief once they hold their healthy newborns. Unfortunately, Jennie Wilklow didn’t get to feel this joy.
Jennie had a mostly normal pregnancy, with her and her husband eagerly expecting their baby. All check-ups showed their child was doing well. However, concern grew when Jennie had to have an emergency C-section in her 34th week.
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Even though the surgery went smoothly, it soon became clear that there was an issue with their baby. Upon hearing her daughter cry, Jennie was told, “She is so beautiful.” Those reassuring words made her smile and feel at ease momentarily.
Moments after Jennie heard those comforting words, the atmosphere in the room shifted dramatically. The baby’s facial appearance changed, causing alarm among the medical staff.
They scrambled to help as the baby’s skin rapidly hardened and then started cracking, resulting in open wounds all over her body. From her vantage point, Jennie could see the distress on the medical team’s faces and anxiously inquired about her daughter’s condition.
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After the initial chaos, a doctor reassured Jennie, and she was given a sedative that put her to sleep. Waking up hours later, she learned from a doctor that her daughter, Anna, had a rare condition called Harlequin ichthyosis. As the weight of the situation settled in, Jennie turned to her husband. His stunned silence was more alarming than words. Once alone, he repeated, “This is bad.”
Harlequin ichthyosis is a genetic condition causing the skin to grow around 14 times faster than usual. This results in widespread redness, impacting the eyes, mouth, nose, and ears. Typically, babies with this condition might only live a few days after birth. Yet, if they do survive, they can lead a regular lifespan. Nonetheless, they might face developmental challenges, particularly in their motor skills.
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Jennie spent two days researching Anna’s condition, becoming deeply aware of the challenges her daughter would face. In her darkest and loneliest moments, Jennie wondered if it might be kinder if Anna didn’t survive. However, against all odds, Anna proved to be a fighter. With the unwavering support of doctors and family, she made it through.
After some time, the parents managed to bring Anna home and were determined to give her the best care possible. Reflecting on those early days, Jennie shared,“Every two hours I covered her with petroleum jelly and bathed her for several hours of the day. For many years I had dreamed of what my beloved daughter would wear, and even though it seemed so trivial, it was what I fought most for. ”
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Despite the challenges, Anna brought a transformative outlook to her mother’s life. Jennie reflected, “I began to realize that if I put restrictions on what she could achieve, she will stay in development. That’s why I decided to put the bar high. I decided that the goal was that she could do what she wanted and the goals were the same for myself. “
Anna’s presence reshaped Jennie’s perspective on love and life. Jennie expressed, “I now understand…Anna was meant for me, and I for her, and together we will show the world how beautiful it can be.”
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Their story is a testament to the power of love, acceptance, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Life might not always align with our dreams, but recognizing and embracing our unique differences makes the world a more compassionate place. Jennie’s candidness in sharing their journey is truly commendable. Share this if you too believe Anna embodies strength and beauty in her own unique way!
