The boy who was born with a rare form of terminal dwarfism has turned five years old.
Jude Peters was born with RCDP, a rare form of terminal dwarfism, and his parents, Hannah and Sully, were told he would live only two weeks.
When his mother was expecting, she was told by the obstetrician in Charlotte, North Carolina that the baby would have some form of skeletal dysplasia.
Jude was diagnosed with RCDP – a rare developmental brain disorder which causes dwarfism – just two days after he was born.
Jude was expected to live only two weeks but the little fighter proved everyone wrong and has now turned five on April 17.
He spent his birthday in the hospital as he had contracted an infection recently. On national RCDP day, his mother Hannah said:
“He has defied the odds and has continued to be a fighter. Our miracle boy.”
“Regardless of all the medical challenges he has faced and still faces, Jude is filled with immense joy. He loves meeting new people and smiles every single day.”
Hannah talked about the time Jude was diagnosed with RCDP. She said: “We were devastated when Jude was diagnosed. The hardest part to cope with was hearing about the lifespan for RCDP kids, and also knowing that Jude would never be able to walk, talk or eat.”
“It’s heartbreaking for any parent. These past five years have had their ups and downs. However, we stand together with hope and faith and Jude has come such a long way.”
She added: “Overall, we have joy. Jude has learned to communicate and show us love in his own special and beautiful way.”
“Jude is a very loved little boy; we have been overwhelmed with the love, prayers, and support from our friends, family, local press, community and online followers that we call Jude’s Tribe.”
“We hope that Jude will continue to live a happy life. Due to his compromised respiratory system, we have to be very careful with Jude because he catches viruses very easily. We work hard to keep him safe.”
“Other kids are curious but are very drawn to Jude because of his big smile and joyful attitude. They are surprised that he is so small for a five-year-old.”
“There is always hope. Live one day at a time. Never take anything for granted. Always find the joy in everything.”
“Jude’s favorite thing is dancing. Always take the time to live in the moment and make time for dancing. Never give up”, she said.