JaLyn's Journey

Jalyn's Journey

My name is Stephanie Spears mother of Jalyn Semore. When I became pregnant with my daughter I had all the joys that came with becoming a mother, but i never imagined being the parent of a child with an undiagnosed, potentially life-threatening condition with no concrete answers.

But when i became pregnant i wasnt aware i would embark on a path that only about 100 other women in the entire world are traveling. This is where my Journey Began. About 30 weeks into my pregnancy, doctors noticed the baby was not growing the way she should. After a few weeks of follow-up ultrasounds to see if the baby had grown, doctors decided it would be in my baby's best interest to be born then, at 37 weeks and develop outside of the womb. December 1, 2006, I underwent a c-section and Jalyn was born. "She was born three pounds eight ounces at 37 weeks. I couldnt understand it I just continued to pray. Doctors didnt know why she was so small yet she was healthy. Jalyn was released from the hospital after two weeks, with doctors saying she was healthy. "They didn't inform me of anything, so we just thought she was just small. By the time Jalyn reached six months, Jalyn only weighed in at five pounds. At that point I began seeing geneticists, endocrinologists, and allergy specialists across Louisiana - After searching and searching Jalyn was finaly given a diagnosis. Primordial Dwarfism, the most severe form of dwarfism. Dubowitz Syndrome, which has some mental delay associated with it and Pituitary Dwarfism, where there is a growth hormone deficiency. That came as some relief but Jalyn did not fit into any specific kind. Meaning she is one of a kind. One of Gods Miracles. Jalyn hasn't encountered any major medical issues at this point, so her main obstacle is simply living in a world that is not built for her size. It's hard but she does everything like an average child her age should do as far as being independent and wanting to do everything on her own, my biggest concern is physical challenges.Despite her physical challenges and medical uncertainties, Jalyn is a normal, happy little girl, we as a family try to surround her with love of a supporting family. It can be overwhelming, but she to me is a perfect child.