Few things in life are as comforting as a hug from a big brother, and little Clara Davis knows this. Clara’s mom, Dani, recently uploaded a video that is warming hearts all over the world. It shows Clara’s five-year-old brother rocking her to sleep at the doctor’s office where the little girl was paying her compulsory visit.
This particular day had not been a good one for her. She was sick, and the pain was making her cry inconsolably. That when little John decided to take her into his hands. He found a comfortable spot on the floor where he huddled with his baby sister. He then started rocking her gently and soon; the baby stopped crying. She popped her tint thumb in her mouth and was sound asleep in no time at all.
You see, Clara has a condition called achondroplasia. John knows this and has devoted himself to supporting his adorable little sister in any way he can. He spends most of his days with her, playing with her and feeding her. Even though she gets sick very often and experiences many challenges every day, John is always there to help her through it all. The boy has taken on the role of big brother quite early, and he seems to know exactly what it means.
True to this, Dani’s Instagram page is flooded with photos of the two. She portrays the moments they spend together playing or taking their meals. In one picture, John is leaning in on Clara in a yard where they seem to be having a playful evening. The little girl looks adorable in her tiny dress, and John’s face is lit up. He looks quite overjoyed for having such a lovely sister, and the pair has matching eyes and hair.
Achondroplasia is a genetic disorder that leaves victims with abnormally short hands and legs. The torso is usually of standard length, and they may have an enlarged head with an unusually big forehead. It is primarily caused by a mutation of a gene that occurs before birth. If more than one of the genes if affected, the baby does not usually survive. Other times it may be inherited, especially in families that have a history of the condition.
Generally, people who are affected by the condition have the normal intelligence. Their life expectancy, however, is usually ten years less than that of an average human. There is currently no cure for achondroplasia, but growth hormone treatment has proved effective in improving some features and eliminating complications in the affected persons.
Dwarfism usually characterizes people suffering from achondroplasia. They have short arms and legs, are a lot shorter than average people of the same age and sex. They also have short fingers and toes, and the middle and ring fingers usually point away from each other.
Achondroplasia babies like Clara may face complications such as difficulty bending their elbows. They are also prone to obesity and may suffer from recurring ear infections. The infants may also develop spinal problems such as abnormal curvature.
Such people should be supported in all ways possible. Just like John did with his little sister, they should be shown love and incorporated in any activities that do not physically challenge them. They can also be enrolled in support groups when they grow older.