Pregnancy can be tough, filled with physical strain and constant worries. For Jennie Wilklow, those fears became reality.
Her pregnancy was normal, and every checkup showed a healthy baby. But in week 34, Jennie needed an emergency C-section. At first, everything seemed fine—Jennie even heard her newborn daughter scream and was told she was beautiful.
Seconds later, the room changed. The baby’s skin began to harden and crack, causing wounds all over her body. Jennie was sedated, and when she woke, doctors told her that her daughter Anna had Harlequin ichthyosis, a rare condition where the skin grows 14 times faster than normal. Most babies with it die within days.
Jennie was terrified; even her husband was in shock. She researched the disease and feared the difficult life Anna would face.
But Anna proved to be incredibly strong. With medical help, she survived. At home, Jennie cared for her around the clock—bathing her for hours and covering her skin with petroleum jelly every two hours.
Over time, Anna gave Jennie a new perspective. She decided never to limit her daughter and to aim high for both of them. Jennie now shares their journey on Instagram, showing their love, strength, and the beauty of their life together.