Cydni’s Special Leg – a journey of awareness, acceptance, and empowerment

By Cedel Hinds and Camille Parris-Hinds

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new book —Cydni’s Special Leg! This heartfelt book is not just a story; it is a movement to educate and raise awareness about children born with special conditions like that of our beloved daughter.

Cydni was born during the Covid-19 pandemic, with a rare condition known as Congenital Femoral Deficiency (CFD). It is characterised by the underdevelopment of the femur and typically affects one leg resulting in limb length discrepancy.

Cydni’s journey has inspired us to create something meaningful that can be shared with families worldwide. Cydni’s Special Leg was born out of a desire to bridge the gap in understanding when it comes to children with physical differences.

When we learnt of Cydni’s condition, just one week before her birth, it was a moment filled with mixed emotions — fear, doubt, uncertainty but most importantly, love. As new parents navigating this unexpected journey, we realised how limited was the literature on such conditions. Our book aims to fill that void by providing a story that speaks to children and adults alike, fostering understanding, empathy, and acceptance.

Representation in children’s literature is crucial, especially for those who rarely see themselves in the stories they read. Cydni’s Special Leg is more than just a book about a child with a disability; it is a celebration of diversity and the uniqueness that every child brings to the world. Through Cydni’s story, we hope to show that differences are not something to be feared or pitied but rather celebrated and embraced. For children like Cydni, seeing characters that reflect their experiences can be incredibly empowering. It sends a message that they are seen, valued, and loved just as they are.

A tool for education and awareness

Our book serves as a tool to educate parents, teachers, and children about what it means to have a disability like Cydni’s. The narrative is crafted to be simple yet impactful, encouraging open conversations between adults and children.

We believe that when children understand differences from a young age, they grow up to be more empathetic and inclusive individuals. Parents and educators can use this book as a starting point to discuss topics like kindness, acceptance, and the beauty of diversity.

A cause close to our hearts

Cydni’s Special Leg is also tied to a cause that is deeply personal to us. Cydni is afforded the opportunity to walk with the use of an orthoprosthesis. This comes at a considerable cost which is coupled with physiotherapy sessions not excluding her regular paediatric visits. She recently celebrated her third birthday and she is, as any typical developing child, experiencing a steady rate of growth. Cydni has already been measured and will soon receive her second orthoprosthesis and we anticipate that the need for upgrades will increase in frequency.

As such, all proceeds from the book will go towards covering Cydni’s medical expenses — ‘One Step At A Time’.

We invite everyone to join us on this journey of spreading awareness, fostering empathy, and celebrating diversity. By sharing Cydni’s story, we hope to make a positive impact on how society views and interacts with people with disabilities.

We believe that through stories like Cydni’s Special Leg, we can create a world where all children, regardless of their abilities, feel seen, heard, and accepted.

Copies can be purchased through out Instagram page: Cydni’s Treasures and persons can follow our journey @cydnisobrave on Instagram.