Defying The Odds Without Ears & Legs | BORN DIFFERENT

ADORABLE two-year-old TikTok star, Amaya, was born with no legs and no ears due to a range of complex conditions that developed during mom, Jaylynn's, pregnancy. Among the conditions present at birth, Amaya was diagnosed with caudal regression syndrome - "the reason for her not having legs" - and microtia and atresia, meaning her ear canal and outer ear did not fully develop. Doctors first became aware that Amaya would be born different at Jaylynn's 20-week scan, when it became clear that she had no legs growing - but Jaylynn and Amaya's dad, Chris, were then forced to wait nervously until their daughter was born to learn the "full extent of her condition." With a cleft palate causing immediate breathing difficulties and her jaw complicating the issue, their newborn baby had three crucial surgeries within the first 6 weeks of her life. When the family were finally able to take her home after months in hospital, they wasted no time in adapting ways to include Amaya in every aspect of family life - with protective older sister Ariah taking her under her wing. Jaylynn has learnt sign language to communicate more easily with Amaya and the family talk to her in lower tones, which she can more easily hear. Having overcome many hurdles already through regular therapies focused on developing Amaya's mobility, Jaylynn and Chris are under no illusions that their daughter will have many more challenges to face as she grows up. With another significant spinal surgery on the horizon, they have set up a GoFundMe page to help raise funds to support her through yet another gruelling recovery period - a choice they had to make in order to protect her longer term future. But despite everything she and her family have been through, Amaya is full of joy and energy and laughter - and her parents have seen her progress from one milestone to the next. Jaylynn told truly how they now "have to be cautious with her because she knows no limits" and, as Amaya's mobility goes from strength to strength, Chris has no doubt that "she'll be very independent." Since sharing Amaya's journey on TikTok, Jaylynn has been able to raise awareness and advocate for her daughter - who, in turn, is inspiring and encouraging other young families going through similar experiences. And her parents have been just as inspired by their daughter as anyone else: "We've seen a lot of growth in ourselves and with her - and we're forever grateful for her. We could be sitting at home crying about it but we wouldn't have her any other way."

Follow Amaya:

Videographer: Nate Spicer
Series Producer: Kim Nguyen
Producer: Tom Buckman
Casting Producer: Elizabeth Bland
Editor: Dalene Low

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[corrigana]

She is still a human being and should be treated with respect

[CEB]

I don't care what she doesn't have...what she does have is THE most ADORABLE face and smile.❤❤

[jayalexander]

Amaya is absolutely adorable, when I seen her picture I actually thought she was a Porcelain Babydoll. To see her joyous spirit inspite of her condition is so inspiring.

[julievanderleest]

I was born without ear canals. I had numerous ear surgeries throughout my life. My ear doctor created an ear canal for both ears and new ear drums. He even pierced my ears and put gold earrings in that my mom had given me when I was little. I had one of the best ear surgeons in the world and he was world renowned. The House Ear Institute of Los Angeles is one of the greatest ear medical centers in the world.

[ClearwaterKB]

Ariyah is going to protect her baby sis to the end of time, and Amaya is going to conquer the world!

[jennasink]

Just donated and said a prayer for Amaya and your entire beautiful family! Thank you for sharing your story and showing the world that disabled people are fully worthy of life, love, and support. May God richly bless you all! ❤

[baroyahaquwahba]

Peace and blessings be upon the child.

[tsunamimami]

Don’t have much money but was able to donate a few bucks. I can’t imagine what yall are going thru and have gone thru.. she is so beautiful and strong!

[terrenceryans]

As the mother of a disabled child I will NEVER understand why America punishes the child and family JUST FOR BEING BORN DIFFERENT! The medical bills can be CRIPPLING and that’s just the beginning………..

[jenxstv]

Who on earth would tell another parent that they shouldn't keep a disabled child?!?! Shame on that person because this little girl is perfect ❤

[snowiii]

You can tell she's a happy little girl with a very loving, supportive family. Not to mention she's adorable! Wishing you all a very happy life, even through struggles. Much love.

[nereidgreen]

Strength lies within Amaya’s parents and her elder sister too.

[jaynescott]

She is a beautiful and very happy little girl! She has a great deal of love and support! You are brilliant parents! Anyone saying you should have gotten rid of her just aren’t worth listening to!

[Margaret-hp]

Some people say stupid things because they know no better 😮.
Mom, Dad and big sister you are a Wonderful family and don't let negative thoughts get to you, put all your energy on your Beautiful Bundle of Joy.
You can see the Intelligent and Strength in this Beautiful little angel 😇. Lots of love coming from the Caribbean 🇧🇧.

[kathryntify]

What a little beauty. She’s so sweet looking. I think she’ll be a stunner when she grows up, like her big sister.
I love her hair too.
What a great family.

[Jemmyjo]

What a precious family. These parents adore this child. It’s beautiful to see.

[allisonmitchell]

People are so cruel. There are literally thousands and thousands of people in this world who were born without certain limbs, who were born with special needs and just born different. That doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to be here on this earth and having a life. These parents are amazing parents!! They care for her, they love her, they provide for her. They’d be bad parents if they didn’t do all of these things. She’s gonna grow up and be just as beautiful and smart as anyone else in this world

[gmomof]

Absolutely disgusting what people say. Good for you for handling it well!!!! She is a beautiful soul

[Hennyondiamonds]

I would love my child no matter how he or she is born .

[fiddlegirl]

Amaya is adorable!! She has the cutest smile!!