Melbourne mum, Loren Faingaa’s nine-month-old daughter, Georgia, is already the size of a two-year old and she is growing at a rapid rate.
At just five weeks of age, Georgia was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition that causes gigantism known as Sotos Syndrome.
Her diagnosis came as a shock to the new mum. ‘When Georgia was diagnosed it was the hardest time in my life,’ Loren shared on her blog.
‘Nothing could ever prepare you for the phone call you receive to inform you your child has a genetic syndrome.’
Children diagnosed with Sotos Syndrome grow much taller than and heavier than other children during their toddler years.
And, at only nine months old, Georgia is already as tall as a two year old.
The condition can also cause other medical issues including, intellectual disability, delayed motor skills and abnormal muscle tone just to name a few.
While Loren has accepted rapid growth as part of Georgia’s condition, the family have worked hard to ensure that their child can reach those milestones that many mothers take for granted.
‘As first-time parents, we had to grapple with things most parents never have to,’ Loren revealed.
‘While most parents sit back in delight as they watch their child reach those individual milestones ’when they are ready’ or ‘in their own time’. We work around the clock with physiotherapists and occupation therapist’s to ensure our child will be able to reach those milestones ‘at some point’.
Of course, every child’s case is different and Loren has revealed that Georgia is doing very well.
‘Georgia is (touchwood) a very healthy little girl,’ she said.
‘And so instead of having to focus on medical issues that see a lot of babies and young children with rare genetic disorders hospitalized for large chunks of their first year of life, we have been able to focus all of our attention on early intervention therapies for Georgia.’
Of course, it is still till early to tell what issues Georgia may be affected by but Loren is determined to give her little girl a normal life.
‘Georgia is our new normal,’ Loren said.
‘Her genetic syndrome will no doubt have an impact on our family for the rest of her life, but we will just deal with it like we have so far. I have vowed to myself to never let Georgia feel different to any other kid.’
To read more about Loren and Georgia’s journey you can follow her on her blog and her Instagram page.
