One of Faribaud, Minnesota, says that every day is simply a “gift” as she is the only known person in the world with an unknown genetic disorder.
“We were told she should probably not go past a year. She is 26 and we don’t know what the future will be for us,” said Daisy Slack, Iris Enriquez’s mother.
But certainly the future is full of love.
Enriquez causes chronic kidney disease, neurofibromatosis, tumor formation, causing Raynaud’s phenomenon, and temporary seizures of blood vessels.
But in addition to that, she is born with three holes in her heart, and has an unknown genetic disorder, putting this Minnesotan in a global magnifying glass.
“They broke it all and she said she was the only person in the world. And I said, ‘Why is that possible?’ Slack said.
It is caused by a duplication of her chromosome 13.
“She knows she’s different from others, but the difference is a gift,” Slack said.
The two peas in the pod make the most of it. Slack adds that her daughter’s passion in life is around people, listening to music, and loves mascots and animals.
Enriquez is dressed in people while working with his mother at First Baptist School in Rosemount.
“Iris is more than my daughter. She actually became a teacher for me and many others, and actually saved my life,” Slack said.
She was that teacher because Slack had Enriquez when she was 17 years old.
“It forced me to grow up and get away from what I’m doing,” Slack said. “(There was a time) when I wanted to quit and felt very weak and unable to stand on my feet, I pray to God.”
She says their faith helps them through.
“When I saw her smile… my world is fine,” Slack said.
He is born at 3 pounds and 1 ounce and has a kindergarten mentality. She also survived the possibility of skin and breast cancer.
Slack says the nonprofit Hope Kids was the two lifelines.
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