As parents, we all want our children to be happy and healthy. But when a health crisis hit an Australian family and their daughter, Jada, was teased at school for looking pregnant, their world turned upside down. What followed was a journey no family should have to endure.
‘You Look Pregnant’
Leah and Victor thought their family was complete until they had Jada, who was different from her siblings. She was always tired, lacked strength, and was smaller than the others. Her health issues started to become more apparent as she grew older.
“Looking back, she struggled with swimming lessons, turned blue quickly, and had extreme separation anxiety from preschool. She was always clingy,” Leah recalled.
At the age of eight, Jada’s abdomen swelled, leading to cruel comments from her peers. Concerned, her parents took her for an ultrasound.
Bad News
The ultrasound revealed a shocking reality for the family – Jada had a severe condition that required immediate attention.
After shedding excess fluid with diuretics, Jada was diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy, a rare condition that required a heart transplant.
Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Restrictive cardiomyopathy affects the heart’s ability to function properly, impacting other organs as well. The exact causes are unclear, but symptoms can mimic heart failure’s signs, worsening over time.
If you suspect heart issues, prompt medical consultation is crucial.
Jada’s Story
Jada underwent a successful heart transplant and post-op care. Today, she is healthy and thriving, bringing joy to her family despite the challenges they faced.
Sources
- “‘Kids at school started saying my eight-year-old daughter looked pregnant’.” Kid Spot. Carrol Baker. July 6, 2022.
- “Restrictive cardiomyopathy.” Medline Plus
