Mermaid Syndrome
By worldwise1
@worldwise1 (14885)
United States
February 22, 2008 6:41pm CST
I found an interesting article on ABC News.com about two little girls who were born with a condition known as Mermaid Syndrome(Sirenomelia), where the legs are fused together. The article stated that these two girls are two of the three known cases of people with this syndrome. It is a devastating condition because the children are usually born either without some of their organs or with some impairment to them. Because they are missing some vital organs, most do not survive. The little 8-year-old girl named Shiloh has already undergone 150 surgeries, and she has said she does not wish to have the surgery that could separate her legs even though it will be possible. I'm always amazed to learn how brave children can be when they are battling a serious illness. Do you agree that these little girls must be very brave? It has to be very hard for them.
3 people like this
10 responses
@Loen210 (1540)
• United States
23 Feb 08
Thanks for the posting on this. And thanks for also the remidner about how lucky we are in this world. I have two legs. Have been through a lot, but have two arms, two legs. :o)
That photo, I see it was taken in 2002, almost 6 years ago, so I wonder how she is doing now, or what stage she is at.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
26 Feb 08
The article stated that she is now 8, Loen, so I can only go by that. They do have a website set up for anyone interested in making a donation to her medical costs, but I did not post it.
@Shaun72 (15959)
• Palatka, Florida
23 Feb 08
Yeah I agree they are very brave. I feel really bad that they were born this way. I have the illness that I have but I didn't know about it untill I was almost 30 years old. To be born with a condition like this is very sad. She sure has a lot of courage that's for sure.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
23 Feb 08
That is so true, Shaun. Sometimes it takes more courage to live than to die, and this is one of those instances.
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
24 Feb 08
It would be so hard to watch these children go through this. They are brave. I cannot imagine going through all those surgeries. They need time to be a kid.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
26 Feb 08
I cannot imagine it either, Thoroughrob. It's very sobering for those of us who whine about insignificant things.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
26 Feb 08
I would also hope for that, TerryZ. She is really still too young to make such a decision on her own.
@mummymo (23706)
•
23 Feb 08
Very , very brave indeed! To endure all the pain and discomfort that goes along with this condition and the related surgeries must be so awful for anyone let alone a child! I know how I would take the pain from my children in a heartbeat if it were possible and i cannot comprehend how awful it is for the parents of children who suffer so much! My heart and prayers go out to all who suffer serious and debilitating illnesses but especially the children! xxxx
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
26 Feb 08
I think it's great, mummymo, that her parents have it arranged so that one of them can be home with her all the time to make sure she gets her medications properly. I feel there was a purpose for her -and the other two- who beat the odds.
@xXxMikesWifeyxXx (3072)
• United States
23 Feb 08
Well in this instance you have no choice other then to be brave. sad to say but its true...
I feel for this little girl and her family, I wish them all well. and i hope that her family approves of her decisions.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
26 Feb 08
Not all children, or adults, would be this brave, xXx, believe me I have known some who were not. I think it takes a special person.
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
23 Feb 08
150 surgeries? And she's only 8? Good grief, if that doesn't give us inspiration I don't know what does, poor little girl, that is heartbreaking, and even after all that pain, operations, there is no guaranteed success is there, and what sort of life is she going to live? Really tests your faith in life doesn't it and what some people have to suffer and we call this life! Tragic, simply tragic. Children have a higher threshold of bravery and pain than some adults, including me LOL!
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
26 Feb 08
I think it is wonderful, wolfie, that this little girl is growing up with no illusions as to what her life will be like. I only hope that there will always be someone there to care for her properly.
@kellys3ps (3723)
• United States
23 Feb 08
I think any child living with an illness or medical condition is especially brave. It is so sad that any child should have to live in pain or with difficulty.The amazing thing is how much courage and determination they seem to have. And the smiles to get through it all!
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
23 Feb 08
Yes, kellys, they are wonderful, and we could all learn a lesson from them.
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
23 Feb 08
I agree that these girls are brave. It is amazing what children overcome. My daughter is in remission for a second time and she kept me strong. I dont think there was ever a time where she didnt have a hopeful word of encouragement for someone. Children are amazing. That is why when I hear of an adult hurting a child, Its makes me mad. It is unforgiveable.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
23 Feb 08
I will keep your daughter in my thoughts, dloveli, and she must be very brave. They do have the amazing capacity to keep us strong when we need it.
@jhl930 (3601)
• United States
23 Feb 08
I say that the little girls that have this condition are very very brave i mean i am a guy and i would be scared out of my mind if I had to go through all of the surgeries and I am grown..I can't imagine what they think when they are that little and they have to have any kind of surgery because that has to be scary for anyone not just little girls!
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
23 Feb 08
That is why children are so special, jhl. They have an astounding resiliency that we adults sometimes have lost along the way.
