This Is Me! by Suzanne Ditacconi

This is me! I was diagnosed with Turner syndrome (TS) at birth in 1980. For the first twelve years of my life, I faced many medical challenges; cleft palate, bicuspid aortic valve, coarctation of aorta, partial pulmonary anonymous venous return, and cholesteatoma my right ear. This required me to have a lot of surgeries.

My parents worked tirelessly to keep me healthy and happy (and I was!). I always knew everything about my health and how to keep myself going strong. My mom was continually searching for knowledge and formed one of the first TSSUS Turner syndrome groups in New Jersey. We made many friends, and I am still in touch with them today.

My childhood was not that grim. I was involved in choirs and musicals at school. I even cantered at my church. I was a member of the flag squad in high school. I always loved working with children and received a degree in psychology along with my elementary and special education teaching certificates. Just as I was about to graduate, I met my future husband. We were married in 2005.

Two years later we wanted to add to our family. We completed three donor egg cycles, which were not successful. We decided to move to adoption. After one failed adoption, our son was born in the Summer of 2008. While completing our adoption process I went back to receive my master’s degree in special education - something no one in my family has done. Now, at 41, I am a happy wife, mother and working at a local public school.