Those nine months a mom carries her baby are filled with joy, anticipation, and a dose of uncertainty. What the new parents hope for is their bundle of joy to be healthy. Sadly, that is not always the case.
Jennie Wilklow, from Highland, New York, couldn’t wait to meet her daughter. She and her husband were over the moon to hold her in their arms. All the ultrasounds and doctor’s appointment suggested the baby was healthy, so they were eased and never thought sweet Anna would be born with a condition that would change all of their lives forever.
Jennie delivered Anna via C-section at 34 weeks. Doctors told her she looked beautiful and that was all Jennie needed to hear at that point.
Shortly after, the proud mom heard her daughter cry, and that was just another sign that everything was right with her little jewel.
When her husband visited Jennie, he was strangely silent and looked worried and puzzled.
“My husband’s silence scared me; he just sat in shock as the doctor left, and I prodded for more info,” Jennie shared with Cafe Mom.
“He just kept saying, ‘It’s bad.’ What does that even mean? I thought in my head. He told me, ‘Jennie, I looked in her eyes, and she has the most beautiful soul.’”
Anna was diagnosed with harlequin ichthyosis, a rare condition that causes thick diamond-shaped plates that are separated by deep cracks. “As they tried frantically to help her, her skin hardened within seconds (of birth). After hardening, it began to split, causing open wounds all over her body,” Jennie told Cafe Mom.
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Although doctors weren’t sure she would survive, Anna beat the odds and is thriving. “She was beauty in the purest form,” her mom said.
There isn’t cure, and the treatment is quite demanding as it requires constant baths and keeping the skin as much moisturized as possible. “Every couple of hours I covered her with Vaseline and bathed her for many hours of the day. I had dreamed for years about the things my baby would wear, and though it seemed so trivial, it was what I struggled with most,” Jennie said.
In an attempt to raise awareness about this condition, Jennie posts photos of Anna on her Instagram page harlequindiva. She opens up about the everyday struggles and what it is like to have a child with harlequin ichthyosis.
“Anna captured everyone’s hearts because she is the purest form of perfection. Doing the work every day is simple when I’m doing it for her, and with every new accomplishment, the world celebrates with me,” Jennie told Cafe Mom.
She adds, “I now understand that I was given her because of the love I already carried in my heart for my daughter. Anna was meant for me, and I for her, and together we will show the world what true beauty is.”
Queen Camilla Breaks Silence On Kate Middleton After Cancer Diagnosis
Kate Middleton’s health has been shrouded in mystery, with sparse updates from Kensington Palace since her stomach surgery in January. Recently, Prince William briefly mentioned her health during official duties. In a recent disclosure, Kate revealed her battle with cancer, though specific details remain private.
During Easter, the family spent three weeks at Anmer Hall in Sandringham, enjoying time together away from the public eye. However, Kate faced scrutiny when an altered Mother’s Day photo circulated, drawing attention.
Queen Camilla, known for navigating media challenges, expressed support for Kate amid the cancer news. She offered encouragement ahead of Kate’s announcement, anticipating the media attention.
In February, Prince William touched upon Kate’s health briefly, but the royal family maintained discretion regarding both Kate and King Charles.
Following a heartwarming encounter where two girls expressed their love for Kate, Queen Camilla assured them that Kate appreciated their kind wishes and support.
Despite the limited updates on Kate Middleton’s health, her recent cancer diagnosis has prompted support from Queen Camilla, who understands the complexities of media scrutiny. Prince William’s brief mention and the family’s Easter retreat at Anmer Hall reflect their solidarity during this challenging time.
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