Jenna Blom

Jenna Grace Blom was born a month early on 23 June 2006, a surprise to both her parents and brothers. This, however, was not the only surprise Jenna had in store for her family as a few hours after her birth paediatricans confirmed that Jenna was born with Down Syndrome. This had gone undetected throughout what was a normal, healthy pregnancy.

And this was to be the start of Jenna’s journey.

Jenna was also born with congenital cataracts, which at six weeks old were removed, as well as the lenses behind her eyes. At nine months old Jenna was rushed to Starship Hospital and diagnosed with Type-One Diabetes. Embarking the family on yet another learning curve of how to manage this life-long condition which includes diet management and administering insulin through a needle at least three times a day.

At one year old, Jenna returned to Starship for a week to undergo open heart surgery to mend a 20mm hole in her heart. After this surgery Jenna started to lose her all of her hair and was diagnosed as having Alopecia. Three years on, her eyelashes and eyebrows have started to return.

Jenna lives in Auckland with her parents Tracy and Darryl and older brothers Tyler and Kalem.
She enjoys playing with her friends, dancing, and loves Mickey and Minnie Mouse. She also adores butterflies.