Pregnancy can be an incredibly challenging experience for a woman. Along with the constant worry that something may go wrong with the baby, there are also the physical strains of carrying a child.
Fortunately, for many, it all works out in the end. The moment you’re allowed to hold your healthy newborn, the fears and anxieties are replaced by overwhelming relief. However, Jennie Wilklow never had the chance to experience that relief.
Jennie’s pregnancy had been relatively smooth. When she and her husband went for routine check-ups, they received the same reassuring responses: everything seemed to be progressing well with the baby.
However, things took a turn when Jennie had to undergo an emergency C-section at 34 weeks. Despite the successful surgery and delivery, concerns began to mount as it became clear that something was wrong with Jennie’s daughter.
“I heard her cry when they took her out, and they said, ‘She’s so beautiful.’ Every mother wants to hear those words, so I relaxed and smiled,” Jennie recalled. But just moments later, the mood in the room shifted. The baby’s expression changed.
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When the nurses and doctors saw what was happening to the newborn, they were immediately alarmed. Her skin hardened to a rock-like consistency within seconds, despite their best attempts to assist her.
As it solidified, her skin began to crack open, leaving her body covered in painful sores. I could see the fear in their eyes as they stood behind the hills, and I asked them if everything was okay.
Jennie was sedated to sleep after the doctor assured her that everything was under control. A few hours later, when she woke up, the doctor informed her that her daughter, Anna, had been diagnosed with a rare condition called Harlequin ichthyosis.
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When Jennie realized the severity of the situation, she turned to face her husband. I was struck by his silence; it wasn’t until the doctor left that he seemed to process the news. All he could manage to say was, “This is bad.”
Harlequin ichthyosis is a genetic disorder that causes the skin to grow about 14 times faster than normal. This leads to redness across the body and affects areas such as the mouth, nose, ears, and eyes. Sadly, babies with Harlequin ichthyosis often don’t survive past the first few days after birth.
However, those who do survive may go on to live a relatively normal lifespan, though they often face ongoing challenges and developmental delays, particularly with motor skills.
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“For the next two days, I searched for information about her condition,” Jennie recalls. “I quickly realized the difficult life she would have to endure. I was in one of the most confused and isolated periods of my life, and I allowed myself to entertain that thought. I thought it might be better if she died right then,” Jennie confesses.
But it turned out that Jennie had given birth to a resilient and strong-willed little girl. With the unwavering support of her family and medical professionals, Anna survived. Once they brought her home, Jennie and her husband did everything they could to care for her.
Jennie reflects on those early days: “I bathed her for hours during the day and applied petroleum jelly to her every two hours.”
Though it seemed like such a small thing, Jennie had dreamed of dressing her beloved daughter for years, and that’s what she fought hardest for.
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Anna gave her mother an entirely new perspective on life, despite the hurdles: I began to realize that her growth would be limited if I restricted her potential. I chose to set a high standard because of this. I realized that the goals were identical for both of us, and she should have the freedom to follow her own path.
Since then, Jennie created a dedicated Instagram account where she shares her and her daughter’s journey through life. “I’ve come to understand that the love I already feel for my child is the very reason she’s mine.”
I was meant to be with Anna, and she was destined for me. Together, we’ll show the world just how beautiful life can truly be.
What are your thoughts on Jennie and Anna’s story? To me, they prove that even in a world that can feel cold, there’s always room for love, diversity, and warmth!
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We’ve made significant progress in understanding that everyone is born uniquely, and that not everyone will look like everyone else, even though it may not always align with what one had hoped or expected.
That’s why it’s so meaningful that Jennie is open and courageous enough to share her and Anna’s journey. If you believe Anna is a truly kind and resilient little girl, please share her story with your friends and family!
