In October 2014, Jason and Kirsti Kinkle welcomed their third daughter into the world. But they quickly noticed she was born with a bloody lip and missing and/or blistering skin on certain parts of her body. They had no idea what was going on.
Jason and Kirsti's elation turned to devastation when they realized they may never be able to hug and touch her like parents normally do.
Baby Kiira was born with "the worst disease you've never heard of." It's called recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (EB), and it's a rare genetic skin disease that makes skin so fragile that it can blister or tear from any sort of friction. Following Kiira's delivery, doctors kept her wrapped up like a burn victim.
Rough fabrics, a normal diaper or the simple act of picking Kiira up from under her arms can cause painful blisters on her skin. Unfortunately, there is no cure for EB, and what makes Kiira's condition even more difficult is that her two older sisters have had to learn to be especially careful around her.
"I can't hold her hand because it's constantly bandaged," Kirsti told WPTV. "There is no skin-to-skin contact."
Kirra is now two years old and has demonstrated such bravery and positivity through her medical challenges. Jason and Kristi continue spending hours wrapping and bandaging Kiira's limbs.
Jason and Kirsti are on a mission to raise awareness and generate donations so doctors can spend more time trying to find a cure for EB. You can follow along with their story on their website.
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