At first glance, Kenadie Jourdin-Bromley, originally from Ontario, Canada, was just like any other child.
She went to school, loved sports and drawing, and had bright ambitions for the future.
However, there is one thing that separates Kenadie from her classmates – the fact that she stands just 99 centimeters tall.
Kenadie weighed just 2.5 pounds when she was born in February 2023.
Doctors quickly discovered that she was suffering from an unusual form of cardiovascular disease, so rare that it affects only 100 people worldwide.
Aptly, the nurses nicknamed her “Thumbelina.”
Unfortunately, Kenadie’s odds of survival weren’t great.
Her condition could lead to complications such as delayed mental development, respiratory problems, and digestive problems. And because the girl suffered brain damage, doctors at the hospital where she was born feared she would only survive a few days.
Her parents were naturally devastated. They decided to christen their little girl the same day she was born so that she would at least have a name if and when she departed this world.
“We thought we were taking her home to die because that’s what the doctors told us,” mother Brianne told Barcroft TV in 2016.
But the days passed and Kenadie simply refused to give up. She has overcome all the odds and obstacles, and her parents were soon able to dream that she was going to make it through after all. For them, it was nothing short of a miracle.
Today, several years later, Kenadie continues to surprise everyone she meets. Her legs and arms are still underdeveloped, she struggles to learn new things and she is only 99 centimeters tall – but she’s a happy young girl who lives life to the full.
Kenadie loves ice skating and bowling. Most importantly, she spreads joy to everyone she meets.
“Kenadie makes me laugh. She’s very empathetic – if you hurt your finger she comes and hugs you. She’s got an infectious laugh that makes you want to laugh along with her,” Kenadie’s assistant Jessica Putnam told Barcroft TV in 2016.
Of course, life is full of new challenges for Kenadie and her family. The young girl is constantly faced with medical problems, though her loved ones try to take things one day at a time.
“My hope for Kenadie’s future– my biggest hope for her– is I want her to be happy. I want her to smile and be successful. If we can get through today, then we’ll see about tomorrow,” her mom said.
