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.”
JUST IN: Meghan Markle Will Launch a New Makeup Brand and We Can’t Wait to Try It
In a move that has beauty enthusiasts and royal watchers buzzing with excitement, Meghan Markle, has announced plans to launch her very own makeup brand. With her impeccable sense of style, natural elegance, and commitment to authenticity, Meghan is about to bring a fresh perspective to the beauty industry.
In a recent trademark application for her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, it’s been revealed that Meghan is expanding her brand to include cosmetics and beauty products, signaling her intent to carve a niche in the beauty industry.
But the news of Meghan Markle’s venture into the cosmetics world comes as no surprise to those who have followed her journey. Even before her days in the royal spotlight, Meghan has always been an advocate of natural beauty and self-expression. From her early acting career to her philanthropic endeavors, Meghan has consistently emphasized the importance of feeling confident in one’s own skin.
Among the beauty products listed in the trademark application are fragrance sachets, skin care preparations, bath and shower gels, hair care products, body creams, cosmetics, and more. From indulgent bath oils to rejuvenating body lotions, Meghan’s brand promises to deliver a sensorial experience that embodies her spirit of self-care and self-expression.
Meghan’s venture into the beauty industry comes at a time when consumers are increasingly seeking authenticity, sustainability, and inclusivity in the products they purchase. By using her platform and influence, Meghan has the opportunity to shape the future of beauty and make a positive impact on the lives of individuals around the world.
Preview photo credit Archewell/Ferrari Press/East News, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics / Facebook
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