[Skip to Content]
East Tenneesee Children's

East Tenneesee Children's Hospital





Dwarfism: Emily's Story (Video)

Emily was adopted from Russia, where she was born with a condition called diastrophic dysplasia. In this video, she talks about the challenges she's faced, both practical (like driving a car) and profound (losing her adoptive mom at age 15). With multiple surgeries now behind her, Emily plans to go to college and live by the philosophy tattooed on her arm: Fear is the limit.

  • Emily’s Story: Little Person, Big Life (Dwarfism)

    Emily’s Story: Little Person, Big Life (Dwarfism)

    Emily was adopted from Russia, where she was born with a type of dwarfism. In this video, she talks about her life philosophy and how she's overcome the many hurdles she's faced.

Medically reviewed by: KidsHealth Medical Experts