A young girl from the Central Region of Ghana has stolen the hearts of many people on social media with her positivity even though she is suffering from a rare condition that threatens to steal her joy.
Efia Ayeyi Yiadom Boakye, an 8-year-old girl living with her family in Cape Coast was born with brittle bones, a condition known as osteogenesis imperfecta.
The rare condition means that Efia’s bones could not be formed completely at birth and they are so soft, the slightest actions can cause them to break.
As a result, the bubbly little girl cannot even stretch her arms or throw anything.
Despite all the pains a fracture brings to her, Ayeyi is an epitome of strength, courage, and hope.
In the video documentary made by the BBC, she is seen seated whiles dancing and shaking her head which happens to be one of her hobbies.
Another hobby of hers is singing and she has composed several songs including her personal favourite which has statements like “I can’t stretch my arms..but I can stretch my brain”.
Ayeyi hopes that with the help of God, she will be able to stretch her brain and use it to do great things.
Watch the video below:
More about the disease
Osteogenesis imperfecta or brittle bone disease is caused by a defect in the gene that produces type 1 collagen, a protein essential in bone creation.
One in 20 000 babies worldwide are affected and cases range from mild to severe.
Some sufferers can have a loss of hearing, heart failure, and spinal cord problems.
Symptoms include bow legs and arms, loose joints, multiple broken bones, and respiratory problems.
