To the Kids Who Think My Daughter Is Faking Her Condition

“I have a rare disease called Blount’s that affects the bones in my legs. No, it’s not contagious, and, yes, Blount’s disease is real.”

The quote above was spoken by my daughter. Being diagnosed with a rare condition at a young age is something no parent wishes on any child. The stress of having to go to constant appointments, tests and surgeries isn’t something a child looks forward to during their childhood. Childhood should be a time where life is full of laughter, simplicity and happiness.

Being the new kid at school is hard as is, but getting constant questions and stares makes the experience even more overwhelming.

To those kids who think it was funny to make fun of my daughter and tell her she was faking her condition, I can guarantee if the tables were turned and it was you crying in the corner, my daughter would be the first one there to offer her support and see what she can do to help you.

All my daughter wants is to be accepted for who she is. Because of you, my daughter now copes with anxiety and depression issues. Because of you, she had given up on the one thing she loves: art. Because of you, she didn’t want her life to continue at one point.

You may have hurt her and broke her at one point, but in the end, because of her, you lost. I thank you for making my daughter stronger. You’ve given her a purpose to help others who feel there is no hope. You’ve given her the drive to advocate more for her condition. If you would have just taken the time to ask questions before judging, I’m sure you would have had some compassion in your heart and see my daughter isn’t faking her condition for attention.

Forgiveness helps you move forward, and not forgiving forces you to move backward. Moving forward is what she chose to do — so thank you.

Sincerely,

Mom

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