Shiloh Pepin was born just before the turn of the millennium in 1999, in the small town of Kennebunkport, Maine, USA. She immediately drew worldwide attention as a result of a very unusual birth defect.
Shiloh was born with what is most commonly known as mermaid syndrome, or sirenomelia, an extremely rare defect that involves malformation of the legs. The little girl was born with the appearance of a mermaid from the waist down. She had no small intestine or genitals, and only one functioning kidney.
The doctors’ judgement was difficult to accept from Shiloh’s parents. They were told the girl would only survive for ten days or so.
And yet, for nigh-on ten years, Shiloh defied the odds and enjoyed life. In September, 2009, she was a guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show in the US, where she talked openly about her life and her struggles. She also appeared in a documentary tracking her progress.
For many sufferers of ‘mermaid syndrome’, doctors commonly perform a procedure to separate their legs. However, in Shiloh’s case it could not be performed due to blood vessels being in the way. Despite this, the little girl insisted she was comfortable; she did not want to split her legs.
Instead, she continued to live with her family in her small town. When she started school, she was described as a shining personality. She had become famous throughout the world as a result of the affliction that continues to puzzle doctors.
Shiloh passes
Sadly, in October, 2009, just a month after appearing on Oprah, she passed away at the Maine Medical Center near her home, as per ABC News. Shiloh had fought for a decade, and was one of only three people in the world known to survive her condition for any length of time.
The cause of the syndrome is still unknown, though doctors believe it has to do with a lack of blood circulation in the womb. It’s thought that this contributes to organs not developing as they should.
During her short life, Shiloh was a source of inspiration for many people with difficulties around the world, as well as the people who worked to make her life better. Her pure joy will never be forgotten, and she’s an important reminder of just how fragile life can be.
https://youtu.be/bc-SSPKG1zU
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