Mum shares powerful pic of girl, 2, with rare genetic condition waving at dad through window to urge people to lock down – The Sun

2020-04-03

A MUM shared a photograph of her toddler with a rare genetic disorder waving at her dad through a window to raise awareness of self-isolation during the coronavirus lockdown.

Little Emmie Gizatullin from Colchester, Essex, was born with Kniest Dysplasia, the rarest form of dwarfism which affects less than 150 people worldwide.

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The two-year-old tot went into isolation with her mum Hannah Gizatullin, 40, and brother Adam, 11, earlier this week to keep safe from COVID-19.

Emmie is vulnerable to infections and illnesses and struggles with breathing.

Viruses that affect the lungs, like COVID-19, could be fatal as she can't be put onto a ventilator as her windpipe is too small.

Her father Marat, 49, is a forklift driver and has to work – so the family decided it would be safest to isolate from him at Hannah’s mum's house.

'THERE IS STILL JOY'

But the loving dad still visits his family each morning by waving and blowing kisses through the window at a safe distance.

Hannah shared this heart-warming photograph of daddy and daughter having a special moment through a window – in a bid to send a powerful message the world about the importance of staying home and self-isolation.

Hannah said: “I captured this moment between them and thought it was very special. Despite terrible obstacles there is still joy.

“Everyone has to do their bit to protect the vulnerable in our society.

“We are hating being apart and it hurts for Marat not to be with us, but we know we must do whatever it takes to protect Emmie.

We are hating being apart, but we know we must do whatever it takes to protect Emmie

“She doesn't understand what is going on but even with the brief visits, she is so happy and overjoyed to see her daddy.

“You have to take all the smallest glimpses of happiness you can to get through these difficult times.”

The killer bug has claimed nearly 3,000 lives in the UK already, with more than 33,000 people infected.

People with underlying health conditions may be at a higher risk than others of suffering from the virus.

Emmie has been admitted to hospital three times in four months with illnesses such as croup, chest infection and an ear infection.

Three months after being born, Emmie was diagnosed with Kniest Dysplasia, which affects bone growth and causes dwarfism, skeletal abnormalities and creates problems with vision and hearing.

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The adorable tot has severe sight and hearing loss, cannot stand and uses a wheelchair for mobility, as she has club feet and bowed legs.

But the ‘happy and cheeky’ toddler is loving life with her family and Hannah said she is always ‘spreading joy’ by waving and smiling at strangers on the street.

Hannah added: “It was hard as I had no idea if she was even going to survive being born.

“Although doctors said she would look strange, Emmie was the most beautiful baby girl I had ever seen and had the biggest brown eyes.

"She is very bright and uses sign language beautifully. She absolutely loves her collection of books and puzzles.

“We love her so much and will do everything we can to keep her safe during this time.

“Everyone needs to do their bit and look after each other by staying at home.”

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