Limb Difference Awareness Month 2019

“It’s time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” -Maya Angelou

April is Limb Difference Awareness Month. Every year there are 1,500 babies born in the United States with upper limb differences. My intentions to share about Jaiden’s limb difference is to simply advocate for the community of unicorns, those who stand out in the crowd.

Our girl was born with a short left arm. She has met all of her milestones as if she had two hands. She does sign language with both arms. She knows how to go about her day, conquering any obstacle without hesitation.  

When visiting Karmin’s class or while at an activity with other kids her age, Karmin is quick to settle anyone who stares at her. She promptly shows them that Jaiden’s short arm and her one cute tiny finger. Karmin tells them that she just has a lucky fin, like Nemo. Usually children understand that reference and they continue on about how cute she is. Most adults just stare blatantly, while others don’t notice at all. 

The reason why I am sharing this is to bring awareness to her difference, and bring light to her not being different at all, all at once. It doesn’t quite make sense, but advocating for kindness is the goal here.  Since learning that she would have one hand, I worried about how people would treat her based on her missing hand.  So please, in a world where you can be anything, be kind.