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Rare Diseases

Girl, 15, born with 'Mermaid Syndrome' dies waiting for kidney

By Alexandria Hein Fox News
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A teen born with a rare condition that typically kills newborns within hours of birth died at age 15 while waiting for a kidney transplant, her family said.

Milagros Cerron, of Peru, was diagnosed with Sirenomelia, also known as “Mermaid Syndrome,” and beat the incredible odds to survive, even managing to walk after several surgeries to separate her legs.

Milagros Cerron was born with Mermaid Syndrome, which is typically fatal for newborns.

Milagros Cerron was born with Mermaid Syndrome, which is typically fatal for newborns. (CEN)

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Mermaid syndrome is an extremely rare congenital disorder that causes deformities of the lower spine and lower limbs. Babies are born with either partial or complete fusion of the legs, and may also have gastrointestinal issues or kidney problems. Depending on the severity of the disorder, infants may be missing feet or the tailbone and have additional developmental issues, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD).

The disorder is estimated to occur in approximately 1 in 60,000 to 100,000 births.

Despite the odds, Milagros lived and underwent several surgeries to separate her legs. 

Despite the odds, Milagros lived and underwent several surgeries to separate her legs.  (CEN)

“Children with this rare condition are usually stillborn or only survive the first 24 hours,” Dr. Luis Rubio, Milagros’ lead surgeon, told CEN. “With Milagros, we managed to give her 15 years of life.”

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Milagros even learned how to walk after her surgeries. 

Milagros even learned how to walk after her surgeries.  (CEN)

The teen, who only had one kidney, was reportedly being treated in Chupaca Province for her chronic issues with the organ. She allegedly died of a brain hemorrhage caused by the kidney issue.

She died at age 15 while dealing with kidney issues. 

She died at age 15 while dealing with kidney issues.  (CEN)

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“I will always remember her as a very smart girl who was joyful and smiled a lot,” her father told CEN. “She is a little angel to me.”