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A Unique Journey: Iris Enriquez Flourishes Despite Rare Condition
A woman from Faribault, Minnesota, finds every day to be a precious “gift,” as she stands as the only known individual globally with a rare genetic disorder that remains unnamed. Iris Enriquez has surpassed expectations; her mother, Daisy Slack, recalls how doctors had predicted that Iris might not survive past her first year. At 26, she continues to embody resilience and uncertainty.
While facing a multitude of health challenges, including chronic kidney disease, neurofibromatosis—which results in tumor growth, scoliosis, and Raynaud’s phenomenon that induces transient blood vessel spasms—Enriquez’s journey is illuminated by a loving spirit. Additionally, she was born with three holes in her heart and her unique genetic condition stems from a duplication on her 13th chromosome.
Slack described the shock of learning about her daughter’s condition, expressing disbelief at the notion that Iris is the only case of its kind in the world. “They broke it all down and told me that she was the only one in the world,” Slack recounted. “And I said, ‘How could that possibility be?'”
Despite her differences, Slack emphasizes that Iris’s uniqueness is a blessing. “She knows that she’s different from other people, but that difference is a gift,” she said, highlighting the bond that they share. Together, they navigate life’s challenges, with Iris thriving on social interaction and deriving joy from music, mascots, and animals.
Working alongside her mother at First Baptist School in Rosemount, Iris has formed a supportive community. “Iris is more than my daughter. She’s actually become a teacher to me and so many others, and actually saved my life,” Slack noted. Her journey into motherhood began at 17, forcing her to mature through adversity. During moments of doubt, when despair threatened to overwhelm her, Slack found strength through prayer and faith.
“When I see her smile… my world’s okay,” Slack reflected, illustrating the profound connection they share. Iris’s early life was marked by challenges; she was born weighing just 3 pounds and 1 ounce and has a cognitive ability equivalent to that of a kindergartner. In addition to her existing health issues, she has faced potential skin and breast cancers.
Throughout their journey, the nonprofit organization “Hope Kids” has provided invaluable support for both Iris and Slack, serving as a crucial lifeline in their lives.
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