Little Clara's Miracle

For a long time, I was extremely private about what we were going through as a family. I did not want to share pictures as to what Clara’s back looked like for fear that the images were too graphic for others. I also know the internet can be a wildly unkind place and I did not want our vulnerable hearts subject to judgment or ridicule. However, it was my friend Mariely who encouraged me to see things differently. The benefit of sharing her story was finding a community that knew how to support us because they actually knew the truth about what was going on. It also meant honoring Clara and her strength and teaching her to be proud of her back and identify as being strong and brave warrior which became her motto during the wecareforclara movement. Lastly, it meant I could share with other parents going through the same thing. One of the first things I did when Clara was diagnosed was try to find others who had gone through the same thing. In all honesty, it was very hard! It felt like we were trailblazing and did not have an example to go off of. I wanted to be able to begin to share all I had learned in the process with Clara and it is why I am in the process of writing a detailed book on the subject. The book has more details as to what occurred during the last 3 years along with information for how to manage the US healthcare system and how to be your child’s best advocate. 

What do you hope people would learn from Clara’s story?For those parents who have children with the same condition, I hope they learn valuable resources that will save them time and effort. I hope it will mentally prepare them for what they may be going through and realize there are other people who have gone through it! For those who have no direct connection with someone with GCMN, I hope they can be inspired by Clara’s strength and realize their children are just as strong and can endure hardship with the love and kindness of their parents and community. 

What is Clara like, and what is the best part about being Clara’s mom?

She is the most fearless little girl. She jumps on the back of a horse as if it is no big deal. She jumps into a pool with joy without knowing how to swim. She loves roller coasters. She absolutely loves to sing and dance and sings in public often and refuses to wear clothing that aren’t dresses. She greets everyone. She is empathetic and concerned with the feelings of and pain of others. She adores animals and babies. 

She really is incredibly inspiring. She has so much love for life and absolutely NO fear (Which sometimes is problematic!) She is confident in who she is and knows she is strong and capable. That attitude will carry her through life as she overcomes challenges with that belief system about herself. She sets a great example for her brother for how to quickly forgive and forget and move forward enjoying life.

How has Clara dealt with the challenges of her condition?


With all the grace imaginable. There have been many times she has adamantly not wanted to do something that she's had to endure medically. Almost every day of the second round of tissue expanders and the endless doctor visits, taking of medication, and countless IVs. Despite being clear that she does not want to go through that, she has treated others with kindness and drawn whatever support and love from parents and doctors that she could.

She has never held it against us or been bitter or unkind because of it. She has moved on. She has been honest about her feelings and shares them bravely. 

 What are your hopes and dreams for Clara?


That her motto of being strong and courageous never fades. It can be easy to see yourself as a victim and use your past struggles as an excuse for your current shortcomings. However, I want her to do the exact opposite. To remember that what she overcame with grace and strength can provide her with the courage she needs to carry forth in the future.That she may grow up knowing she was able to overcome as much as she did thanks to the kindness and generosity of others. With that knowledge, that she may always choose to be generous and kind to others whenever possible. Further, that her scars may continue to serve as an example of the need to be compassionate to others for the scars that are seen and unseen. 

What made you want to partner with EleStory? 

I was looking up mommy and daughter dresses and various companies came up on my search, but EleStory stood out to me. There was something so authentic about each post and I loved that it was a mom, like me, who was hard at work with the company. The styles of the dresses are so unique and beautiful and match in a way that makes perfect sense without being identical but true to each age group. I was not surprised that I got such a kind and positive response to my inquiry. When I learned more about the company name and how it came to be, I knew EleStory was a perfect fit for Clara. She absolutely loves dresses and she felt like a beautiful princess wearing EleStory! 

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Thank you, Rebecca and Clara, for taking the time to share with us your journey to recovery with Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevus. As I worked on this blog post and read through your thoughtful words and combed through these beautiful images, I found myself fighting back tears time and time again. Her recovery is truly a miracle. I am so inspired by the way that Clara faced adversity with so much grace, strength, and courage, and embraces her scars. Clara, you are such a special little girl and are beautiful just the way you are.

xoxo,
Judy

Special credits:
photographer @davidossaweddings 
dresses @elestory
shawls @loullymakes
headband @agoldbead
location @lagranjaescuela