Chromosome Deletion Syndrome of the 2Q32 Chromosome
Zoey
Zoey’s parents adopted her from China with knowledge only of her cleft palate. Once significant developmental delays became apparent, doctors determined that Zoey has chromosome deletion syndrome of the 2Q32 chromosome— a condition so rare, it does not have a name. Zoey has learning disabilities and cognitive delays. She is 10 years old and is learning to write her name. Zoey loves her DVD player, phones, remotes, and things with buttons that she can press. She is often seen looking in the mirror or gazing at her reflection.
[My friends] don’t make a big deal about it, because I don’t say, "Here’s my special needs sister." I just say, "This is Zoey. She’ll follow us around." It’s interesting, because you can’t tell her to go. You can’t be like, "Go in your room," or she’ll follow, and then cry if she doesn’t get what she wants. She gets pretty much everything she wants, when I’m around.
– Sophie, Zoey’s sister