Junior Reporter

Nash Hensley

At nine days old, Nash was diagnosed with a genetic disorder called PKU, phenylketonuria, which means his body is missing an enzyme that helps break down protein. At four months old, Nash was also diagnosed with a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia. He’s likely the only child in America with these two disorders together. Nash has had surgeries and countless doctor and therapy visits at Beacon Children’s Hospital and will continue to for some time. Due to many complications at birth he was required to be on supplemental oxygen until past his second birthday. He walked with a walker and leg braces before gaining enough muscle strength to do it on his own. Nash’s mom, Angela, says, “He’s made me a stronger person. I think he’s made all of us stronger people.”