Butterflies are Warriors! by Tatiana Barrera

Hi! My name is Tatiana, and I am a TS butterfly! I was diagnosed at birth. My pediatrician noticed my hands and feet were swollen and immediately took me in for testing. Knowledge on Turner syndrome (TS) was extremely limited when I was born, so of course, my parents were worried and unsure about my future.

I started growth hormone therapy around the age of 5 and stopped around the age of 15. School was not easy for me, but I have worked extremely hard to get to where I am today. The only subject I could never truly succeed in was math, which is no surprise! I received my bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and am currently getting my master’s degree in school psychology.

I am very fortunate and blessed that I was able to achieve these accomplishments. I am so grateful that I am relatively healthy. I am short in stature (but that is what makes us TS butterflies) and I have a horseshoe shaped kidney.

Over the years, I have struggled with my mental health, acceptance of myself, and my infertility. The feeling of being “different” was extremely hard for me. I am currently in therapy and realized that TS is what makes me so special!

We must remember butterflies, we are warriors! We had a 1-2% chance of being on this earth and here we are! We are here for a reason and so beautifully special! Truly a miracle!