LIFE THUMBELINA ’S 18 NOW! 2015 NOW
“It’s a little surreal that she’s turned 18,” mum Brianne, 41, tells New Idea exclusively. “No-one thought she’d live past her first day, – it’s amazing that she is 18 and a real young lady. I am lucky to have her.”
When Kenadie was born on February 13, 2003, she was so small that nurses named her ‘Thumbelina’.
Heartbreakingly, Brianne was warned that Kenadie was unlikely to survive more than a day. Doctor’s said it was likely she’d have brain damage, so her parents baptised her that day and prepared for the worst.
Remarkably, she continued to live. At 8 months old, she was diagnosed with primordial dwarfism.
While Kenadie has learning difficulties and fragile bones, she still lives life to the full. She loves going to school and even played hockey.
When Kenadie was 10, Brianne shared their story with New Idea. Two years later they took it global.
“It helped raise awareness of her condition in general, but also encouraged people to stop and think about other people’s struggles. Kenadie has been embraced with love around the world, and that has inspired us.”
Over the years, Brianne says that Kenadie has taught her many life lessons.
“Kenadie struggles a lot and gets exhausted, but she rarely complains, and is a happy and content person. She teaches me to slow down, be patient and take in the little moments. When I am in a rush, and she is moving slower, I realise I have to just stop and enjoy that moment.”
Kenadie loves music, watching videos and sitting in front of the heater.
“As long as she is kept safe and warm, she is happy,” smiles Brianne.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown in their home town of Kitchener, Canada, Kenadie’s 18th birthday was kept small.
“It was a low-key celebration at home, but we had lots of fun,” says Brianne.
“I decorated for her and blew up balloons and had an ice-cream cake …We did a Facebook Live [event], so all of our friends could
Byron Bay is famous for its stunning coastline, idyllic lifestyle and starstudded residents like the Hemsworths and Aussie actress Bridie Carter.
But it isn’t all sunshine and surfing – a serial killer could be stalking the streets and targeting tourists.
First, backpackers and friends Erwan Ferrieux and Hugo Palmer vanished. Three months later, Theo Hayez met the same fate. Bones believed to be Erwan’s and the remains of Theo have been the only evidence found.
It all began when the two backpackers disappeared in February 2019 from Shelly Beach in Port Macquarie, on NSW’S Mid North Coast. Frenchman Erwan, 21, and his English pal Hugo, 20, were travelling north along the east coast of Australia.
On social media, they shared photos of their travels, admiring the amazing views the country had to offer. But then disaster struck – the two young men disappeared.
The alarm was raised on February 18 when their passports and clothing were found beside a boat ramp at Shelly Beach. Their rental car was parked nearby.
Their uncharacteristic disappearance left their