Linda and her son Timmy both have Holt Oram syndrome – a rare condition which caused them both to be born without arms. Both Linda and Timmy have adapted to living life without upper extremities.
Neither one uses prosthetics. They accomplish everyday activities like dressing, writing, and brushing teeth, by using their dexterous feet. Holt Oram syndrome affects 1 in 100,000 people, and can also cause heart problems, something both Linda and Timmy have experienced. Still, growing up, Linda didn’t see herself as much different than anyone else.
“Being born without arms probably, from my perspective, hasn’t really affected my life that much because it never really occurred to me, growing up, that I was that much different.”
Linda and her husband Richard knew they wanted a family. When Linda became pregnant with Timmy and they discovered that Timmy also had Holt Oram syndrome, Linda says she and Richard were given the option to terminate her pregnancy. “It was never even a consideration of ours,” says Linda.
Like his mother, Timmy also had heart problems. He had surgery at eight days old, and spent his first two months of life in ICU. But fast forward several years, and now Timmy is a vibrant, rambunctious young boy.
Establishing independence
Both Linda and Timmy are very independent. Richard says that other than helping with bathroom duties, he does very little for assisting Linda and Timmy with everyday tasks. Timmy thrives in school where he holds a pencil between his toes to complete his classwork.
“I’m just like the other kids – I’m just like ’em, and I’ll be just like them every time of my life.”
Linda is a busy working mom. Not only does she teach kindergarten, but she also manages Timmy’s busy sports schedule. She also spends her time taking business management classes with the hope of one day starting a non-profit to help families with children who are like her and her son.
Though Timmy is an extremely independent child, Linda can’t help but raise concerns for her son’t future. It is her hope that Timmy will one day find a partner who will give him the same kind of companionship and love that Linda has found with Richard.
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