The story of Isabelle
Hello reader,
my name is Isabelle and I was born with Cystic Hygroma. It was detected 23 weeks in utero and occurs once in every 4,000 pregnancies. It affects my tongue, jaw and airway. I have always looked different, my chin and tongue are bigger than normal. This used to be my main source of insecurity but I have learnt to embrace it. Throughout my life I have had a number of surgeries, my first one was when I was only four days old. I had a tracheostomy for 11 years which helped me to breathe.
Growing up I hardly saw anyone who looked like me. I got stared at a lot and laughed at. I understand that for many people it is unusual to see, but I would much rather educate people on it and answer any questions.
I am a normal 20 year old. I am now in my second year of university and I hope to become a lawyer one day. I am very outspoken, fun and love to laugh. I enjoy doing ballet, perfecting my splits and I love to travel. My condition has become part of my identity, but it certainly does not hold me back.