Cristianne Ray, 2 foot 9 inches (84cm) tall, 20 year-old girl suffers from a rare bone condition whereby her bones did not grow to full adult size. While she has normal size organs and muscles, they are compacted into a small space.
Cristianne’s pregnancy was unique; there were no other cases to compare to hers. If the baby had grown upwards in her womb then it could have crushed her heart and lungs. And she needed to keep the baby for at least 30 weeks to give her child a fighting chance of surviving outside the womb.
Cristianne lives with her parents and fiancé Jeremy in Seattle, Washington State.
Daily life is difficult – changing nappies, feeding, bathing and playing with her child – and when the family goes out they are regularly subjected to stares and comments by the public.
They must also take special care of baby Kyrsten, who was born premature and with a cleft palate. She has inherited her mother’s bone condition but no one is sure to what extent. The family visit doctors to get a better idea of what the future will hold. How much will this affect her health and what will her future be like?
Cristianne wants to prove those people wrong, who feel that what they are doing is wrong, from driving a car, to going bowling to keep fit and even choosing a wedding dress – she’s desperate to lead an independent, normal life for her and her family. [source]
What do you think of Cristianne dedication to live like a normal woman?