What do you know about Pituitary Dwarfism? Also known as Growth Hormone Deficiency, it’s a condition that results in stunted growth and a few other side effects. The condition can be congenital which refers to a disease or condition passed on from parent to child. It can also develop after birth but tends to run in families.
The main symptom of pituitary dwarfism is below-average growth, with normal bodily proportions, an immature appearance and often goes undiagnosed for quite some time. In some cases, an underlying brain tumor or missed head injury could be the cause. But this would have to be determined through various tests.
A man from Wales traveled to the US to meet Shauna and her mother
26-year-old Dan Swygart flew to America to meet the woman of his dreams, 23-year-old Shauna Rae in 2022. He had fell head-over-heels for her, and anyone could see why. She’s gorgeous. She’s also only 3ft 10in tall and weighs just 50 lbs. She may seem almost childlike in appearance, but she is an adult and lives a very adult life.
Diagnosed with a brain tumor as a child, Shauna faced some rather potent chemotherapy
When Shauna was diagnosed, her treatment options were simple – aggressive chemotherapy. This, unfortunately, damaged her pituitary gland, rendering it useless. This affected her growth and left her body in a child-like state. Shauna was then diagnosed with pituitary dwarfism and has since lived a large but also tiny life.
She opened up about her condition on the TLC series: I am Shauna Rae. She spoke out about how her life has been affected since her diagnosis and how she’s had to find ways to cope with daily struggles. “I want to live my life like my friends and sisters do, but I need my mother, father, and the rest of the world to realize that I’m an adult.”
“It is difficult seeing my other friends and family being more independent, but I don’t envy or have any jealousy towards Tara and what choices she has made in her life, whether that’s going to college or moving out. But I think it’s entirely unfair that my parents treat us differently as we’re only two years apart.” She continued.
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Then there was Dan
Shauna also opened up about Dan. He slid into her DMs after reading about her story, and let’s just say that things warmed up between the two of them. A video resurfaced, first posted last month after her story went viral. Dan hits out at trolls who aren’t emotionally mature enough to understand the connection they have.
“It’s very important to remember that Shauna is an incredible 23-year-old woman who has a disability,” he said. “So as you are building a connection with her, it’s important to acknowledge her disability and look past that and build it with who she is an individual. She’s this incredible, inspiring 23-year-old woman who just happens to be a little bit short.”
When the video first came out, viewers were torn and many found that it seemed unnatural, weird, creepy, and concerning. One even wrote: “I’m sorry, but any man that wants to date her – there is definitely something not right with him. Yes, she is 23, but she looks and talks like an eight-year-old. She also does not act like a mature woman. She is childlike.”
Dan stood his ground, defending what they had together
“As soon as you say that she can’t have a real-world connection with someone else, you dehumanize her, which is absolutely disgusting. She is a human being. She deserves to have relationships and connections with whomever she wants. And I think some people aren’t emotionally mature enough to understand that you can have a deep connection based on personality rather than just on looks.” he said.
Shauna’s mother, Patty Schrankel also stood by the pair, complimenting Dan in the comments section. “Well said Dan. I appreciate your coming into our lives.” She wasn’t the only one. Many more compliments poured in with one writing: “So well said! You BOTH deserve to be happy. There’s too much judgment in this world. Wishing you both future happiness.”
Another added: “Agree! I’m 3’11 and my husband is 6’3. When we first started dating everyone assumed we were together for the dumbest reasons. Just because a person is short, doesn’t define who we are as individuals and that we can’t have a normal life. Love is love.” and that it is indeed.
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Sources
- “Man dating woman ‘trapped in kid’s body’ responds to critics calling him a ‘creep’.” Unilad. Jess Hardiman. January 20, 2023.
- “A to Z: Pituitary Dwarfism.” Kids Health
- “Growth Hormone Deficiency.” Hopkins Medicine