Brisbane toddler inspires dwarfism awareness campaign
Australian celebrities are helping drive a campaign to raise awareness for dwarfism.
The Stand Tall 4 Dwarfism movement was inspired by Brisbane toddler Quaden Bayles, who was born with Achondroplasia, the most common type of short-limbed dwarfism.
Quaden, four, has undergone a number of major surgeries in his life, with each operation involving an average of eight procedures.
He has spent the past month in hospital after being admitted for emergency surgery.
Quaden’s condition means he often suffers from shortness of breath.
His mother Yarraka Bayles said it makes surgery extremely risky for the toddler.
““Every surgery is either going to kill him or save him,” she told Buzzfeed.
Yarranka decided to share Quaden's story on social media to raise awareness for his condition, which affects one in every 25, 000 children in Australia.
“People on the street sometimes stare, point and laugh at Quaden," she told BuzzFeed.
The campaign has attracted the support of some of Australia’s most high-profile celebrities including signer Guy Sebastian and Rabbitohs Captain Greg Inglis.
"Just want to say good luck with everything mate," retired Sharks player Beau Ryan Kara said in a video sent to the toddler.
"You're in our thoughts and prayers little champion."
Gold Coast Titans player Nate Myles also sent Quaden his well wishes.
"Just passing on our best to you from all of us players down here," he said in a video.
"We're hoping the operation went really well for you."
Quaden's mother said she expects he will be able to leave hospital soon.
Visit the Stand Tall 4 Dwarfism campaign Facebook page.
Morning news break - April 11''''
