Pregnancy is a time filled with excitement, anticipation, and a little bit of uncertainty. Expectant parents eagerly await the arrival of their little bundle of joy, hoping for a healthy and happy baby. But life doesn’t always go according to plan.
Jennie Wilklow, a mother from Highland, New York, had her heart full of joy as she looked forward to meeting her daughter. With multiple ultrasounds and doctor’s checkups confirming a healthy baby, Jennie and her husband felt at ease. Little did they know that their darling Anna would be born with a disability that would forever change their lives.
Anna came into the world through a C-section at 34 weeks. As Jennie held her precious baby in her arms, the love she felt was indescribable. But when her husband entered the room with a somber expression on his face, Jennie’s heart sank. Something was wrong.
“It’s bad,” her husband finally said, his voice heavy with sadness. Confused and scared, Jennie’s mind raced, wondering what could be wrong with their beloved Anna.
Anna had a rare condition called harlequin ichthyosis. This uncommon disorder causes the skin to form thick, diamond-shaped plates with deep cracks. As Jennie explained, “The doctors tried their best to help her, but her delicate skin hardened within seconds of birth, leaving her with open wounds all over her body.”
Despite the doctors’ concerns about Anna’s survival, she defied the odds and thrived. “She is the epitome of pure beauty,” Jennie proudly stated.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for harlequin ichthyosis. Treatment involves meticulous care, including frequent showers and thorough moisturization of the skin. “I would coat her in Vaseline every few hours and give her long baths,” Jennie shared. It may seem like a small thing, but for Jennie, not being able to dress her baby in cute outfits was one of the hardest challenges.
Feeling the need to raise awareness about this rare disease, Jennie created an Instagram page called “harlequin diva” to share Anna’s journey. Through her posts, she sheds light on the everyday struggles and offers a glimpse into the reality of raising a child with harlequin ichthyosis.
Anna’s story has touched the hearts of many through her Instagram page. “She is perfection in its purest form,” Jennie said with pride. Taking care of Anna and advocating for her has become second nature to Jennie. “The world celebrates every milestone with us,” she shared.
“I now understand that Anna was given to me because of my love for her. We were meant to be together, and together we will redefine the world’s perception of true beauty,” Jennie added.
Anna is a beautiful and resilient child, blessed to have parents who go above and beyond to ensure she lives a fulfilling life. Let’s share Anna’s inspiring story with our loved ones on Facebook and spread awareness. Together, we can celebrate the incredible strength and beauty that lies within every individual, regardless of their differences.
