At less than one day old Maia was rushed into intensive care unit and remained there for 8 days, she was finally allowed home on Christmas Day 2016. It was a horrendously worrying and frightening time for us all not knowing what was wrong. After many tests and a brain scan, Maia was diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening condition called Congenital Hypopituitarism.

This condition means that Maia’s pituitary gland has not form properly; the pituitary gland is the ‘master gland’ in the body and produces many of the important hormones the body needs to function. Because of her underdeveloped pituitary gland, Maia has adrenal deficiency, meaning she does not produce the stress hormone,  hypothyroidism, and growth hormone deficiency, meaning she doesn’t grow at a normal rate without daily medication and is therefore very little for her age. 

Maia is on multiple vital and lifesaving medications daily, including an injection, which are designed to replace the hormones Maia doesn’t produce naturally. We also have to carry an emergency kit at all times in case Maia goes into adrenal crisis, which can be caused by something as small as sick bug. We have used the emergency kit twice since Maia was born due to sickness, which has been incredibly stressful and heart-breaking for her and our family.

When Maia was diagnosed it became clear that Hypopituitarism is a very serious condition. It was such an upsetting and worrying time for our family and we had no idea what the consequences of Maia’s diagnosis were, or what it would mean for her future. Thankfully The Pituitary Foundation were on hand to provide us with vital information and support as we learnt more about Maia’s condition in the weeks and months following her diagnosis. The Pituitary Foundation have been a lifeline, their incredible endocrine nurse helpline is invaluable and always on hand for advice and support. They have also provided us with a wealth of information to share with our family and friends.

With almost 50 medical appointments in her first year alone, Maia has been through a lot! Yet despite everything, Maia is a wonderful, feisty 2 year old who is very much loved by her family, especially her big brother Alfie. She rules the Brauders household and she won’t let her condition stand in her way! We want to make sure other families and patients continue to have the incredible support and help provided by the Pituitary Foundation, which is why my sister and I are going to attempt to run (crawl!) the London Vitality 10k and help raise some money!

Any money that you can donate is greatly appreciated and will be going to a brilliant cause!