Camille Parris-Hinds views her three-year-old daughter Cydni's physical challenges as a gift from God. Each time she looks into Cydni's face, joy fills her heart.
Cydni, who turned three on August 17, was born with a congenital condition, and one of her legs is short.
Despite the rarity of her condition and the challenges associated with it, her parents have embraced it with love.
“One in every two hundred thousand women gives birth to a child with this disorder,” Parris-Hinds said in an interview with Guardian Media.
To raise awareness about Cydni's condition and help generate funds for her to lead a normal life, Camille and her husband, Cedel Hinds, launched a book titled Cydni's Special Leg at Presentation College in San Fernando last month.
“This six-page glossy book is designed to educate parents and children about the condition,” Parris-Hinds explained. “It covers everything from early childcare to preschool and beyond.”
As teachers, she and her husband believe it is essential to share their daughter’s story so she can navigate life alongside her peers.
Parris-Hinds recounted her pregnancy, which she had initially anticipated to be without complications.
Not wanting to have any difficulties in the public hospital, she opted for private care. “I was all set for private care. I had heard so many horror stories,” she explained.
Parris-Hinds said a doctor friend encouraged her to get checkups at a hospital, and that was when she made a strange discovery.
“Despite undergoing numerous ultrasounds, it wasn’t until my hospital visit that they detected the shorter limb. It was just a week before I gave birth,” she recalled.
Reflecting on the revelation, Parris-Hinds said she found solace in the timing.
“I think I would have dwelled on it a bit too much if I knew before. I think God put things in a way that life could be different. I don’t know what mental space I would have been in at that moment; three or four weeks into knowing I may have said, ‘I don’t want this child anymore,’ you never know what would be going through my head. I may have gone into a state of depression,” she added.
She said a week before her baby was born, she was in a very positive space. “Having the support of my husband, I was able to say this is my child, and I got to do what I got to do,” Parris-Hinds said.
Parris-Hinds had initially aimed to work with special needs children while studying at the University of the West Indies, as she was influenced by her brother, who has cerebral palsy.
“I always dreamed of helping kids with special needs,” she said, recalling her project designing furniture for children with disabilities.
“Now, I realise the Lord placed this child in my life to fulfil that dream every day,” she added.
Now, as a proud mother, she said her joy overflows when she witnesses Cydni's remarkable spirit.
“I am amazed by her capabilities,” Parris-Hinds admitted. “I never expected we would reach this stage. At first, I worried she might need a wheelchair or a walking stick. But seeing her receive her first prosthetic leg gave me hope. I know she will conquer the world.”
After sharing Cydnis’ journey, the family found support from former Paralympic swimmer Shanntol Ince and Miss Universe Wendy Fitzwilliam, who reached out, pledging assistance for Cydni's needs.
“Wendy even promised another prosthetic leg for her,” Parris-Hinds said, grateful for the kindness of others.
At the book launch, each copy sold for $100, with proceeds going toward Cydni's ongoing expenses, including physiotherapy and medical care.
“We want to ensure she has every opportunity to thrive,” Parris-Hinds declared. With every step Cydni takes, Parris-Hinds said she feels a renewed sense of purpose.
“I don’t know how to put into words the emotions I feel,” she said, tears in her eyes.
“Cydni restores my faith every day. She is my little warrior,” she added.
