Mary and Brad Kish of Illinois eagerly anticipated the birth of their daughter in the late 1990s. The pregnancy was uneventful, and the birth went smoothly. However, upon opening her eyes, doctors recognized a problem. After consulting a geneticist, Michelle was diagnosed with Hallermann-Streiff syndrome, a rare genetic disorder with only 250 known cases worldwide. Michelle has 26 of the 28 associated symptoms.

This condition, affecting one in five million people, has caused Michelle to face numerous health challenges, including dwarfism, requiring support like an electric wheelchair, hearing aid, probe, respirator, and visual aids. She’s spent a lot of time in the hospital and often gets misidentified due to her appearance, though she’s 25 years old.

Michelle has thrived against all odds, as her mother explained, “She enlightens people’s lives with their joy. She knows she’s different but doesn’t let it break her down.” Michelle’s ambitions include having a boyfriend, becoming a doctor, and she doesn’t mind her partner’s height, but she wishes they had long hair.