Andrea Horner—Turner Syndrome

Andrea Horner

Andrea Horner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much for being here, Andrea. Would you tell us a little about yourself?

It’s great speaking with you today, I’m Andrea Horner, I reside in Kansas City. I was born with a Chromosomal disorder called Turner Syndrome. I am the author of the book Beauty for Ashes, By Andrea Leigh Horner. I am founder of the ministry Beauty4asheskc here in KC. I love coffee and good music, hanging out with my friends, traveling and the outdoors.

How and when were you told your diagnosis?

When I was 4 years old I was diagnosed with Mosaic Turner Syndrome. I did not really learn about it till I was seven years old and I had to stay in the hospital several days. That is where I heard it that is also when they started my treatment which was growth hormone therapy.

Can you explain a little about your condition?

Turner Syndrome or TS as I refer to it affects approximately 1 in 2500 females. So as we say Turners is a girl thing. It happens when there is either an x chromosome missing (classic) or both x chromosomes are present and one is misshapen or deformed in some way (mosaic). It is usually found on the second x chromosome in a TS girl. It has a 1-2% survival rate before birth. It is believed to be responsible for about 10% of all miscarriages. There are two types Classic and Mosaic. I have mosaic, and usually with that there are less of the typical features present and less severity in the health issues. There are a variety of health issues that associated with TS that can vary for each girl, some server some are not. Most can be managed with proper medical care. The biggest health issue with TS girls is heart issues and hearing issues. TS also has some learning issues as well called non verbal learning disorder. I struggled the most with that fortunately I have not had many health problems thus far. The most common characteristic is short stature, the other is infertility. TS can affect our female development. That is why most of us get on growth hormones and estrogen therapy hormones because of my TS I don’t do that naturally and that helps with development. With that said that means I don’t have periods. So if I don’t have the hormones I won’t have a period. So it’s nice to not have to deal with those like females normally have to.

Writing a book about your life is a pretty bold move. How has the publicity affected you and your family?

There has not been a lot of publicity yet, however they do very well. My family has been great. They very supportive. My mom has always encouraged me. She has told me she thinks I needed to go around and speak more and get more involved with the TS society. I like to say we are pretty normal and we like to keep it that way.

How has your condition affected your relationships?

My friends are great they accept me many of them I think forget I’m short. Sometimes they tease me but most of my friends don’t freak out and treat me like anyone else. It is usually when I am in public and strangers comment where I feel the most affected and aware of my condition.

Has it affected your religious views? How have Christians treated you?

I used to have a denial about having Turners because I am so independent and normal. I wanted to think that I’m no different than another person. Reality is being as short as I am it is a daily factor. So I can’t always do everything just like everyone else. I used to not like that, however now as a Christian I see that as a good thing. God made me unique and special and I realize I am created perfectly. I believe it is a miracle that I am here and God has a purpose for our lives. So I don’t mind standing out.

Have you ever thought about who you might have been without your condition?

Yes I have a lot as a kid, I would think how did this happen? I wanted to figure who I could blame…where did the bad gene come from? I honestly don’t know. My family is tall, I was tall when I was first born. I have long legs for my height. So I know I would have been tall. I don’t know how I would be personality wise, but I know I would have a different view on life and how precious it is or appreciation for those with disabilities than I do now. When I was a kid if I could have been taller I would have loved it. But now I like being me. Sure being as short as I am it can be inconvenient and frustrating at times. But I think I am a better me having TS, than if I would have been if I had been born without it.

Is there something you’d like to share that might surprise people?

I have a variety of interest, I like being girly but one of my interest is Taekwondo. Many are surprised when they find out I am a Taekwondo martial artist.

What’s the one thing you’d most like people to know about you?

I am just a girl that just wants to make a difference in the world, and hopefully I can do my part to make it a better place. I love to let those that I am around know that they are loved no matter the struggle. I don’t know your situation, if it’s a disability, or another issue, but it does not matter what the world or people may say about you. you matter! We all have a purpose in this life I encourage everyone to find there’s and don’t be afraid to try.

Well, thanks for dropping by!

Andrea’s book is available on Amazon.

ashes

 

 

 

 

 

 

“This is not just a story about being short, or having Turner Syndrome. Though it is my story it can also be anyone’s story. We all have a story and difficult circumstances we have faced. This book has something everyone can relate to. I have found that the true beauty in our lives can be found when we live our life fully for the one who created it. I was made to stand out growing up I did not know I could do that with a purpose. I wanted to fit in. I did not like growing up short the obstacles seemed more than I wanted or thought I could handle. That is where God steps in and when we give the brokenness of our lives over to God, He will make something beautiful from them. Our weaknesses can often be our greatest strength when God uses them. This is my story of how I experienced Gods life transforming power and exchanged my ashes for a life full and blessed by God. I have two growing disorders. I talk about what it is like to live with one of them called Turner Syndrome. Turners is a growth disorder many do not know about and comes with complications that I share as you read about it I believe you will see how I am blessed to be here and living life today. Miracles do exist and I am just one of them. God is making something beautiful out of my life, and He deeply desires to do that for you. I hope this book will be the window to help you see all who you were made to be.” —Andrea Horner

2 thoughts on “Andrea Horner—Turner Syndrome

  1. Whose hands are those? The writer or a model? The reason I ask is that both hands have fingers that are ‘heavy’ with regard to width/length. The left hand is normal, the right is “A/B normal”. This is not unusual as for some reason, unknown to me, the right is usually a better indicator of genetic character. What is special about the right is the left-to-right crease which identifies the so-called “simian palm”. It is a Neanderthal characteristic and a marker for an elevated risk of intersex condition in general and various degrees of hermaphroditism or autism in particular. It is a marker for Down’s Syndrome. Also,when you say that persons have disputed your claims because they do not know the full range of expression of Turner’s Syndrome, it is consistent with my experience as well. Intersex persons become familiar, even expert, (to the point of exceeding the knowledge of most doctors) on their own condition. When informed of a different condition, often they denounce the claim as it does not match their limited experience. – Tupungato.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.