Turner’s Syndrome is a genetic defect. This syndrome is a loss or incompletion in an X (female sex) chromosome. This syndrome is only possible in females due to the fact that males only have one X chromosome. Complications are high blood pressure, heart problems, hearing loss, vision problems, kidney problems, autoimmune disorders, etc. Sadly, this syndrome doesn’t have a cure only treatments.

Caley Kling was diagnosed with Classical Turners Syndrome as an infant. This continuous health battle causes fear in the victim, and everyone around them. Caley is a sophomore at Chatfield Senior High School. She has the Classical version of Turners Syndrome, but her version according to her is,”just not effecting me as much as another person.” While Caley is battling this syndrome she continues to have a positive outlook on herself and life. Not only does this syndrome affect one’s health, it can take a toll on how they feel about themselves. Caley informs people that, “Sometimes I feel different than other people,… it’s always just been there.” While Caley is physically shorter than most, she has a huge impact on even the tallest of people. This disease can effect many aspects of one’s health, while Caley has Classical Turner’s syndrome she only has a height defect and a delayed processing speed that is treatable with medication. This delayed processing system doesn’t even slow this amazing charger down. Despite this challenge she is in multiple honors classes here at Chatfield and is on our wrestling team. While this syndrome for Caley isn’t as severe as some other cases, it still has no cure. This will continue to effect Caley the rest of her life and she will not be able to grow any taller, but regardless of her height, she will continue to grow in to the amazing young woman she has already started to become.

Author’s Note: Thank you to Caley for being willing to spread the word about this Syndrome, this is a real eye opener for me and hopefully for others who are curious about what they saw. This is also a reminder not to judge people by their appearance but to look in to their stories.