The story of Taylor
Talynn Gurganus was born at 35 weeks on January 27, 2014. At birth, she was transported to CHKD and spent 3 ½ weeks in the NICU.
Over the first 11 months of her life, Talynn demonstrated the following symptoms:
•Missing part of brain (P-ACC)
•Feeding difficulties (G-tube)
•Very slow growth (FTT)
•Developmentally delayed
•Birthmark (flammeus nevus)
•Nearsighted (myopia)
•Prominent eyes
•Low muscle tone (hypotonia)
•Recurring respiratory infections
•Silent aspiration
•Unable to communicate verbally
•Multiple hospitalizations
•Sleep apnea
•Abnormal hair density & length
We were in need of answers as to why our daughter had these symptoms and why she was hospitalized so many times. We went through many doctors until we found the right team of 12. Finally, the day came when we got a call from our Geneticist. She told us she suspected that Talynn had Bohring-Opitz Syndrome.
Bohring-Opitz Syndrome is an extremely rare genetic syndrome. There are fewer than 60 cases in the world. This syndrome is diagnosed by genetic testing and is a mutation in the ASXL1 gene. The leading cause of death is respiratory infections. Children with BOS can have feeding difficulties, recurring respiratory infections, sleep apnea, developmental delays, failure to thrive, abnormal hair density and length, Wilm’s Tumors,brain abnormalities, silent aspiration, and the list goes on.
On January 14, 2015, the genetic blood work came back and confirmed Talynn had Bohring-Opitz Syndrome. Talynn’s first year of life was her hardest, but now that we know that she has BOS, it helps us better prepare for the hard days. Since Talynn’s diagnosis, the only additional symptom she has developed is seizures.
Talynn makes noises, smiles, and can brighten anyones day. She has a very spunky personality and has her own way of communicating with us. We will never allow any of these labels to define who she is. She continues to progress just at her own pace and we push her to do the best she can!
Thank you for the continued love, support, and prayers!
The Gurganus Family
www.talynnsjourney.com
www.bos-foundation.org