Inspired by ‘The smallest people in the world’
I don’t watch TV very often, but earlier tonight I turned it on, flicked around until I hit Channel 4 and a show called ‘The smallest people in the world’. It was a documentary dealing with Primordial Dwarfism, a condition I had never even heard of until a couple of hours ago.
I don’t actually remember the last time something moved me as much as this program, and more specifically, the young people that the documentary was based on. It features Danny (3′6″ at 17),
Hannah (2′10″ at 10), Brianna (2′3″ at 16) and Bradley (3′2″ at 14). Brianna is actually smaller than her 20 month old cousin.
These kids really amazed me with how much courage they have. Especially Danny, the 17 year old boy who is now in highschool and really doing his best to live a normal life. Seeing how much effort he puts into making the most of his life is a real inspiration.
It is sad to see anyone that has to endure something that ostracizes them from the normal life we take for granted. The inner turmoil and obstacles that these young people face on a day to day basis, I imagine, would be insurmountable to many of us who have it easier than they do.
I found a little snippet of the program on youtube.
on March 26th, 2007 at 4:07 am
I saw the episode on TLC with a friend tonite 3/25/07 and you are right what courage these kid have but watching Hannah made me real sad to see her so upset because she is so beautiful and yet she said she felt like nothing. I just wanted to hug her and tell her how beautiful she is and regardless of her height that she truly is somebody special and no one can take that away from her. Being different isn’t always a bad thing and i wish more people would understand that
on March 26th, 2007 at 7:04 am
I couldn’t agree more. Unfortunately changing the perceptions of what is ‘normal’ in our societies is an almost impossible task. It only takes one fool to stare or make fun to hurt someone and take away their confidance.
on March 30th, 2007 at 4:08 am
The documentary completely touched me. I had never realized how simple things in our ordinary lives can be big factors for other people. I don’t watch much television as well; however, this documentary is what makes some TV programs important. Not many people realize how different things are for others. Even worse, some people put down people who are different.
on April 2nd, 2007 at 2:05 am
my god, this really makes me see all the things in life that i take for granted that may not be as easy for others to do.
on June 25th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
I’m glad everyone liked the program so much, it was a lot of fun making it. As an update, Dan graduated high school this week, and got a huge ovation from his entire class. It is truly remarkable how well he has been treated by his schoolmates over the years! He is going to enroll in a community college in the fall, though he isn’t quite sure yet what his major will be. He also went ot his senior prom a month ago, and had a great time there. We’ll be traveling this summer to the Little People of America (LPA) convention in Seattle, where we’ll see most of the other people who also have MOPD II, including Hannah, Bridget and Brad, and also Kenadie Jordan-Bromley, who was featured on a separate show for TLC. It’s sure to be an interesting week.
A final note: One of the parents of an MOPD II child has set up a charitable foundation to help out the families who are struggling financially because of the medical bills associated with the syndrome. It can be found on the web at http://www.potentialsfoundation.org/
Thanks again!
on July 2nd, 2007 at 10:54 pm
Hello all…
I was in Montreal this past weekend and saw this documentary for the first time. I was immediatly inspired by their stories and could not be happier for these children as they seem to be marhcing on full force in life, not limiting their own abaillities. I was so sad to hear Hannah say that she felt like nothing. I am a singer songwirter and I have written a song for Hanna. Does anyone know how I could possible get into contact with her and her family, so I can share it with her?? Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Denise
on July 30th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
You can find contact information for Hannah’s mom Jackie at www.primordialdwarfism.com
on August 1st, 2007 at 3:08 am
Dan is a true inspiration, I have watched smallest people in the world any number of times and am always in aw of these remarkable young people.. Danny you will go far in life, and you did fantastic on national geographic last night……your a star in your own right and Brad Pitt or Goerge Cloony don’t hold a candle to your good looks and evervesent personality!.Ha ha beware should you see Angelina Jolie slinking around the corner (J.K.)!
on August 3rd, 2007 at 3:49 pm
Thank you!!
on September 6th, 2007 at 1:54 pm
Tonight (Thursday 6th September 2007) on Discovery channel there is another programme about these special little people - I can speak first hand of the experience as my daughter has a type of this genetic growth disorder - she is 4yrs old and only 19lbs ( the size of an average 40wk baby). Life is getting more difficult for her daily but she is a happy little girl, so if you see a little person, don’t just stare - maybe ask a question, we would rather that.
on May 8th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Hi, i’m from the UK and these programs along with some based on english kids have been aired. Sometimes i’m embarrassed to be a human being, how many of us moan because we have an head ache or a bout of the flu.
There children, adults and their families are so inspirational. What we take for granted these children and adults take in their stride albeit it can be a hurdle for them and they do it with dignity!
Over the last couple of months I have serached the web for information about the condition and whilst the medical information is limited and confusing, there are some remarkable sites out there about the chIldren themsleves.
www.ourlittlemiracle.com
ww.tinybraveheart.com
www.alex-connerty.co.uk
www.walkingwithgiants.org
These children and families are truly marvellous
Dave