A Brave Inspired Princess – Abby’s Battle with Turner’s Syndrome

At A Princess Inspired, we love to hear about real life warrior princesses that have overcome the odds to be the incredible ladies they are today! Here is a lovely Brave Inspired Styled shoot from Tigerlily Photography highlighting the inspiring story of one very brave young girl…

For many years, Abby dealt with various health challenges. As a baby, she had congential hip dyplasia and had to wear a special suit to fix it. She suffered from total hearing loss in her right ear due to a hole in her eardrum. In school, she struggled with dyslexia and dysgrafia, and she was very small for her age. It wasn’t until she was about 10 years old, when she had stopped growing completely, that they found out Abby had Turner Mosaic Syndrome.

The news was completely devastating for a while. It seemed like there would be so much that Abby would not be able to do in life. At the same time, the reason for all of her struggles as a child suddenly fell into place.

Turner’s Syndrome is a chromosomal defect that affects only girls. They are born with part of their x chromosome missing, and as a result, it causes their bodies to freeze as a child, stopping all growth or any passage into puberty. It also the causes learning disabilities and the many other health challenges that Abby was experiencing.

What is truly amazing about Abby, is that most babies with her condition do not survive past birth. She is a walking miracle and a true testimony to what God can do with a beautiful life!

Since discovering her condition, Abby has had to undergo many growth treatments and her heart has to be monitored regularly for a possible hole that could develop. She also found out she won’t be able to have children of her own someday, but Abby is not discouraged – she has a huge heart for adoption and is excited to be able to help children that will one day need a loving home.

Even with all these challenges, Abby has learned to overcome them every day with a joyful and loving spirit. She is now 13 years old and can do so many amazing things! She enjoys horseback riding, and rides Tinkerbell competitively. She has a brilliant memory, and despite all her learning disabilities, was able to memorize the Gettysburg address in a single day! She would love to become an actress someday, and enjoys memorizing lines as fast as she can. She also has a deep love for animals and would like to pursue Veterinary Medicine.

From the photographer: “The day began with the most beautiful warm, November sunshine. We were delighted by the lovely florals of The Flower Cupboard and some amazing food from Supper Meals via Catering Works. They really made Abby’s day extra special and beautiful!

I was also introduced to Tinkerbell, the most delightful little pony I’ve ever met! With such a fun personality, she was the perfect companion for Abby’s Merida themed day.

When it came time for the Daddy-daughter dance – it surprisingly started to rain! But you know what? They danced anyway! And we captured the most beautiful, heart-warming photos!

It reminded me of a quote I once heard, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

I know this family has been through so much recently, but they are continually making the best of every situation life brings! It was just a few years ago that they found out what a miracle Abby’s life truly is…

The thing that I loved most about meeting Abby, was her incredibly beautiful heart. She was so attentive to detail and so genuine and kind. She is such a special girl, and it was truly an honor and a privilege to be able to give her this princess moment! She represents true beauty inside and out.

May God bless you Abby! You are an amazing, lovely, and extraordinary girl!”