Becoming a parent is a time of joy and anticipation, filled with dreams of a healthy and happy baby. But sometimes life throws unexpected challenges our way. This was the case for Jennie Wilklow, a resident of Highland, New York, whose daughter Anna was born with a rare skin condition that would change their lives forever.

Anna’s journey began when Jennie had a C-section at 34 weeks. The doctors assured Jennie that she looked beautiful, but when her husband saw their baby for the first time, he was silent and filled with worry. He simply said, “It’s bad.”

Little did they know that Anna was diagnosed with harlequin ichthyosis, a rare condition that causes thick diamond-shaped plates on the skin, separated by deep cracks. Within seconds of her birth, Anna’s skin hardened and began to crack, resulting in painful open wounds all over her body. The doctors were unsure if she would survive.

But Anna beat the odds and is now thriving. Her mother describes her as “beauty in the purest form.” While there is no cure for harlequin ichthyosis, the treatment requires constant baths and keeping the skin moisturized as much as possible. Jennie tirelessly cares for Anna, covering her with Vaseline every couple of hours and bathing her for many hours a day. It’s a challenging routine, but Jennie’s love for her daughter gives her the strength to persevere.

To raise awareness about harlequin ichthyosis, Jennie shares photos of Anna on her Instagram page, harlequindiva. Through her posts, she opens up about the everyday struggles and the unique experience of raising a child with this condition.

“Anna has captured everyone’s hearts because she is the purest form of perfection,” Jennie shares. Despite the challenges, Jennie finds solace in the love she has for her daughter. Each milestone and accomplishment is a cause for celebration, not just for them but for the world.

“I now understand that Anna was meant for me, and I was meant for her,” Jennie expresses. “Together, we will show the world what true beauty is.”

Follow Jennie and Anna’s inspiring journey on Instagram, and join them in raising awareness and spreading the message of true beauty.