When Kenadie Jourdin-Bromley was born, she was so tiny the nurses gave her the nickname 'Thumbelina.' Her small size was the result of a condition called primordial dwarfism, where growth of the limbs is delayed yet proportional. Unfortunately, doctors told Kenadie's parents that she'd only live a few days. But the tiny warrior defied all the odds. And fourteen years later, the real-life 'Thumbelina' is a pretty big deal!
Credit: Barcroft TV
When Kenadie was born, she weighed only 2.5 pounds and was 11 inches long. Her mom, Brianne, says she was perfect, just miniature. She describes Kenadie as chubby, with pink skin and bright eyes.
But doctors had a different take.
A Grim Outlook
Primordial dwarfism, which only affects about 100 people in the world, can cause all kinds of complications -- from brain damage to respiratory and digestive problems. Kenadie's doctors said the baby girl was missing part of her brain and was simply too small to survive.
"We thought we were gonna take her home to die, because that's was what they told us," Kenadie's mother, Brianne, said.
They sent her home with the expectation she would only live a few days.
It was heartbreaking news.
“We baptized her right away because we were told that we should just bring her home to die," Brianne recalls. “It was like mourning - the idea of all of the life that you imagined for your child has suddenly been taken away.”
But then a miracle happened!
Proving Them Wrong
Day after day, the tiny warrior kept fighting. Instead of dying, she just kept growing and getting stronger.
Now, fourteen years later, Kenadie proved all of the doctors who said she'd never survive wrong!
Credit: Barcroft TV
Doctors thought Kenadie was too small to survive. While today she's only slightly taller than 3 feet and wears clothes that fit a toddler, she's thriving in a mainstream classroom with kids the same age. She does have frail bones and some learning disabilities, but that doesn't stop the real-life 'Thumbelina' from having fun ice skating, bowling, swimming and playing with friends.
"It makes me so proud to see her in these activities it makes me cry," said Brianne. "I have cried so many times when she is on the skating rink, everything she does, I cry."
And though she be but little, the tiny girl makes a big impression on all of those around her.
"She's kind hearted, she is loving and wants to share everything with everyone. She is feisty, determined and independent," says her mom.
Learn more Kenadie in this video from when she was 12 years old:
For Brianne, it's difficult knowing Kenadie will not live as long as a child without her disorder.
"Having Kenadie definitely tested my faith many times - watching her struggle isn't easy," she says. "It's a reality we'll lose her - I lose my breath for a moment thinking about it."
But each day with Kenadie is a blessing. And it shows that God is in control, making anything possible!
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
h/t: GodUpdates
Doctors said there was no hope for this baby. Then 40 minutes later, everything changed!
