October is Dwarfism Awareness Month, and National Dwarfism Awareness Day is on October 25^th.

 

Dwarfism is:

 

 Shortness in height that results from a genetic or medical condition.

A common cause of dwarfism is a genetic mutation that affects bone growth.

Dwarfism is generally defined as an adult height of four feet 10 inches or less. The average adult height in dwarfism is four feet. Common complications include bowing of the legs, hunching of the back, and crowded teeth.

 

People of average height may have misconceptions about people with dwarfism. Misconceptions can impact a person's self-esteem and limit opportunities for success in school or employment. Children with dwarfism are particularly vulnerable to teasing and ridicule from classmates. Because dwarfism is relatively uncommon, children may feel isolated from their peers.

 

This is why Don’t Fit In is choosing to highlight differences in others to educate us all but also allow these children a fun and exciting opportunity. I was lucky to have the opportunity to work with Calvin Sorensen, who is just 9 years old. He has dwarfism and is a remarkable human being with a BIG personality. 

Dwarfism Awareness is extremely important, which is why we created this collection that contains two shirts, available in children and adult sizes. These shirts contain words from Calvin himself, who has dwarfism, printed on the Tees in his own handwriting. The best thing about the children's shirts is that they have ALL of Calvin’s favorite things mixed into one drawing. A monster with a lightsaber (because he loves star wars), a lightning bolt (because he loves Harry Potter), and a boxing glove (because he loves boxing)

 

The statement by Calvin is:

 

 

I was lucky enough to do an interview with Cal and I want to share it with you so you can learn more about him.

 

Me: Tell us about yourself?

Calvin: I’m Cal, I like Legos, boxing, & Star Wars. I have dwarfism, I am 9 & I am in 3rd grade.

Me: Tell us about your family?

Calvin: We have 4 kids in my family & 1 dog

Me: What does your family call you?

Calvin: Calvin

Me: What do you love most about yourself?

Calvin: I’m nice & funny. I’m a good example & I’m very curious, I ask a lot of questions

Me: What makes you special?

Calvin: I am a good brother & a good friend.

Me: What’s something funny that you do or say to make people laugh?

Calvin: I make up my own jokes.

Me: What makes you happy?

Calvin: Friends

Me: What makes you brave?

Calvin: Talking to my mom.

Me: What do you think of all the time?

Calvin: My family

Me: What’s your favorite thing about school?

Calvin: Writing

Me: What are you really good at?

Calvin: Baseball

Me: What’s your favorite holiday?

Calvin: Christmas

Me: Who can you talk to about anything?

Calvin: My mom

Me: What makes you sad?

Calvin: Leaving a vacation

Me: Favorite color?

Calvin: Green

Me: Favorite food?

Calvin: Sushi

Me: Favorite planet?

Calvin: Mars

Me: If you could travel anywhere where would you go?

Calvin: New York Why? To see the Statue of Liberty

Me: What are you scared of?

Calvin: Roller coasters

Me: Favorite place you’ve traveled to?

Calvin: Disneyland

 

"I like Cal and hanging out with him because he is nice and fun to play with. He's funny and always knows how to make me laugh. We have a good time together"

 - Cal's Best Friend

He has an AMAZING & BIG personality which I am excited to be sharing with you! I would like to encourage you all to educate yourselves more on Dwarfism as well as teach your children more about others and their differences to allow more acceptance and awareness. These kids deserve all the kindness in the world and we need to embrace everyone’s differences.

 

5% of proceeds will be donated to Little People of Utah - Little People of Utah is a nonprofit organization that provides support and information to people of short stature and their families. Little People of Utah is only able to continue their work with support from members, friends, and family. Please consider

purchasing a shirt to add to the donation.

*If you want to donate but do not want to purchase one of these cute tees you can Venmo me at Courtney-North-1 and I’ll add it to our total.