Mia Grows and Thrives with the Right Approach

Mia is a middle schooler who loves to dance, practice gymnastics and hang out with friends. She was born in Croatia and diagnosed with hypochondroplasia, a genetic disorder that slows cell growth and causes short stature and limb shortening.

“Kids can be very mean if you’re different,” says Mia’s dad, Ivan. She struggled in kindergarten because she was so small. “For years we took Mia to different specialists in Europe without getting the help she needed. I researched endocrinologists all over the world. They all pointed us to the United States.” This led Ivan to Children’s National and Andrew Dauber, MD, MMSc, our chief of endocrinology, who specializes in studying and treating growth disorders.

Dr. Dauber invited the family to come to the U.S. to participate in a clinical trial, but it was starting very soon. “I knew this was our only chance,” said Ivan, who rushed to bring his family to Washington, D.C. for the initial screening appointments. They later returned for more measurements, Mia’s first dose of medicine and a three-month supply to go. They would return every 90 days.

In Mia’s first year, she grew more than three inches. Her arms also grew longer. “Dr. Dauber is probably the best doctor in the world,” Ivan says. “He is like a friend to Mia and has helped us make sure she has as normal a life as possible. This growth is life-changing for her.” Mia will continue on the trial until puberty. She also has grown in confidence. 

The family relocated to Florida. “Now, the difference between Mia and other kids is much less,” Ivan says. She is making new friends more easily and is a happy, happy kid. As for me, I want to cry for how happy I am. Dr. Dauber and Children’s National made it all possible.”