Jennie Wilklow eagerly awaited her baby’s arrival in Highland, New York. They felt reassured by regular check-ups and ultrasounds. But their joy turned to shock when doctors diagnosed their daughter Anna with harlequin ichthyosis. Anna’s skin developed thick, cracked plates at birth. Jennie described her shock, “Just a few minutes before, I thought I was having a perfectly healthy baby girl.”
Harlequin ichthyosis is an incurable condition, requiring constant care. Anna needs frequent baths and skin moisturization with Aquaphor. She also receives therapy and a special diet. While it was once life-threatening, improved neonatal care has increased survival rates, but some may still not survive.
Anna’s mother, Jennie, stands strong, saying, “Anna represents the epitome of perfection.” With her parents’ unwavering love and support, Anna thrives, facing the world with courage and resilience.
