Limb Difference Awareness Month April 2024

April is Limb Difference Awareness Month, so I wanted to share about my limb differences!

Three of my limbs have limb differences: my right hand and both of my feet.

My limb differences are caused by me being born with Moebius Syndrome. Not all people with Moebius have limb differences, though. And, not all of our limb differences look the same or are located on the same limbs.

My hand is most visible in public. My feet aren’t openly visible because of my shoes. When people see my hand, they tend to be shocked and do a double take or stare.

First, I want to say this reaction is completely normal, so don’t feel bad if you have that reaction to my hand. When I see people who look different, I have similar reactions because it’s something I haven’t seen before. It’s fascinating to me. So, I stare a bit out of curiosity.

I understand when people do that. It’s not the most comfortable feeling being stared at, but I get it. It’s those lingering stares that I have issue with. Please don’t *keep* staring at me. That’s so uncomfortable.

If you’re curious and want to ask me about my hand, I’m typically okay with that. It’s *how* you ask, though. Ask with curiosity, not pity. That’s most important to me.

Also, I really don’t like when people ask: “What happened to your hand?” That has such a negative vibe to it, to me, it’s like you’re asking: “What’s *wrong* with you?”

Instead, frame it like: “I noticed your hand looks different. Are you comfortable sharing more about it?”

I say I’m typically okay being asked because sometimes I’m just having a day where I’m not up for answering questions. Sometimes I’m just in a shy mood or am feeling more anxious and don’t feel like socializing.

Also, don’t make assumptions or feel sorry for me. Sure, my life is different because of my limb differences and I’ve needed to learn how to adapt, but I still have a good life.

Again, I feel like it’s pretty normal, unfortunately, for people to assume people with disabilities have hard lives. Even I find myself doing that, if I’m being honest, when I see someone with a severe disability. But, heck, people *without* disabilities can have amazing or hard lives. It’s all about how you deal with the challenges in life.

Also, please don’t view me as deformed. I hate this. My limb differences are beautiful and my body looks how it was meant to look. I am PERFECTLY formed!