Mother Describes Caring for Achondroplastic Dwarf Son
What's achondroplasia? A big word having to do with a small person – a form of short-limb dwarfism occurring in one out of every 26-40,000 births, most often associated with a mutation in parents over age 35 who are of normal stature. A small number, you say? Maybe, until it affects your child. In the case of Juanita Tischendorf, the diagnosis came 10 months after her son Erik was born in 1969. This is the story of a mother's struggle, and a son's life and relationships, in the 1970's and 1980's, a time when much less was known about achondroplasia than is known today. From discouragement and discrimination, to the triumph of a young man's personality over his "differentness", "Who Says I'm Small" is an inspiring read about dealing with resilience and strength against adversity. It is told with a mother's love and a storyteller's skill.
ROCHESTER, N. Y. (PRWEB) September 11, 2005
Ten months after the birth of her son, Erik, J. B. Tischendorf learned her son is an achondroplastic dwarf. Undeterred, she became a pillar of strength.
Her new book, Who Says I'm Small (now available through AuthorHouse, amazon. com, bn. com), describes raising a special needs child and supporting Erik through struggles with his health and society's perception of little people.
Who Says I'm Small chronicles their mutual journey toward overcoming obstacles in order to gain as much normalcy as possible. Erik deals with surgeries, body braces, extended hospital stays and the burden of having to learn to walk again after paralysis.
Their breathtaking hurdles proved to be no match for their will to lead a full life. As Erik persevered, Tischendorf remained a calm, supportive force who not only aided her son with his health problems, but also the ongoing prejudice against him by members of society.
Who Says I'm Small offers guidance to parents in similar situations by helping them realize that a happy ending is possible, even in the shadows of great difficulty. It also shines much-needed light on the acceptance of dwarves by the American public, which is especially important with recent medical advances that have increased their potential life spans and allowed them to lead normal lives.
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