Baby’s Unusual Appearance Shocked the Delivery Room, But See How Gorgeous She Looks Today

Let’s introduce Anna — a beautiful little girl born with a rare condition so uncommon that even her doctors had limited experience with it. Through every challenge, her family stood firmly by her side, offering unwavering love and support.

The new mom and dad were completely surprised when their daughter was born.

A young couple was over the moon as they prepared to welcome their first child. Jennie Wilklow had dreamed of becoming a mother for years, and she and her husband did everything they could to ensure a smooth pregnancy. They couldn’t wait to finally meet the baby girl they had long hoped for.

As Jennie was on her way to the operating room, she woke up, reached for her husband, and asked if everything was okay.

“Things were all seemingly perfect. Moments after her skin hit the air it began to harden and then split causing open wounds all over her body,” Wilklow, 34, recalled of Anna’s birth in September 2017. For months, her baby’s skin had been thickening — but once exposed to air, it dried and hardened immediately, forming tight plates almost like armor.

Jennie remembers the shock on the medical team’s faces as Anna’s eyes swelled shut and circulation in her hands and feet was cut off. Doctors and nurses scrambled to help, while her husband sat in stunned silence in the post-op room.

Anna was diagnosed with harlequin ichthyosis — a rare genetic disorder in which newborns develop thick, cracked skin plates that can severely restrict movement and affect breathing and eating, according to the First Skin Foundation. The condition can also cause the eyelids and lips to turn outward.

Historically, babies born with this condition rarely lived beyond a few days.

But thanks to advances in medicine, many children with harlequin ichthyosis now live well into adolescence and adulthood with typical cognitive development. Still, cases can vary, and some newborns with the most severe form may not survive.

Treatment requires extremely careful and constant skincare to prevent infection and keep the skin pliable. Jennie applies Aquaphor to Anna’s skin every few hours to keep it moisturized and protected.

Based in Highland, New York, Jennie decided to leave her job and devote herself fully to Anna’s care. She says she has no regrets — although life brings many challenges, Anna’s strength and spirit inspire her daily.

Due to her rapid skin turnover, Anna needs an unusually high caloric intake — about 2,100 calories per day. Jennie explains, “We have to adjust to the heat, the cold, and her skin.” She adds that their routine includes multiple two-hour baths a day, meeting her caloric needs, weekly occupational therapy, and bi-weekly physical therapy.

“Anna’s personality is always happy and incredibly loving,” Wilklow says of her daughter.

The family now shares their journey online. Through Instagram and Facebook, Jennie spreads awareness about harlequin ichthyosis and documents Anna’s growth.

Jennie says Anna has taught her profound lessons — how to trust herself, show compassion, and strive to grow a little more each day.

She hopes Anna’s journey encourages others to focus on the good even during hard times. Jennie believes happiness is a choice, not something dictated solely by circumstances. And every morning, when she sees Anna’s bright smile, she feels an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

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