Dwarfism results from a genetic or medical condition which limits a person or animal to a short stature. In case of humans, dwarfism is generally defined when an adult has a height less than 4 feet 10 inches (147cm). The symptoms and the characteristics of individuals suffering from dwarfism can differ greatly because it can be caused by around 200 different medical conditions.
The following video features an adorable 5 year old girl called Rilee. This little girl suffers from Achondroplasia, is a genetic disorder that affects bone growth and results in short stature. It is the most common form of dwarfism, caused by a mutation in the FGFR3 gene, which provides instructions for making a protein that is involved in the growth and development of bone and cartilage. This mutation leads to abnormal bone growth, particularly in the arms and legs, resulting in shortened limbs and a relatively long torso.
Rilee might be small, but that does not define her as a person and it definitely does not define how beautiful her personality is. She is dancing to Taylor Swift’s popular hit single “Shake It Off” so that she can help in sharing awareness for Dwarfism Awareness Month. The song is perfect for Rilee’s dance because it talks about dealing with negative criticism and personal attacks, encouraging listeners to shake off the negativity and focus on the positive aspects of life.
“Hater’s gonna hate,” says the song, but little Rilee knows just what to do about it: dance! And wow, she’s gotten nearly 7 million hits to help her raise awareness. Watch the full video below and please leave us a Facebook comment to let us know what you thought!
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