Charli Worgan and her husband Cullen have faced questions that many
couples do, but for them, it often came with a puzzled “why?” Living in
Sydney, both Charli and Cullen have different types of dwarfism, and
public curiosity about their family life has always been a constant.
When Charli became pregnant with their first child, this curiosity
quickly turned into scrutiny. Instead of allowing the negativity to get
to her, Charli saw an opportunity to share her story and raise
awareness. Her openness resonated with many, and what began as a
personal journey soon attracted over 300,000 followers on social media,
making her platform a space of inspiration and education.
Today, Charli and Cullen are the proud parents of two daughters,
Tully and Tilba, aged four and two. Recently, Charli shared the news
that she is 14 weeks pregnant with their third child. Yet, this
pregnancy brings a mix of excitement and anxiety.
Due to the unique genetic factors at play, each pregnancy is
accompanied by a series of intensive tests. Their children could inherit
one type of dwarfism from either parent, be of average height, or
inherit both types, which doctors warn could have fatal consequences.
Instead of celebrating her 12-week milestone with joy, Charli found
herself navigating a more difficult reality. She explained how, while
other mothers might share happy news, she was preparing for Chorionic
Villus Sampling, a procedure that carries a 2% risk of miscarriage, to
determine the genetic makeup of her baby.
“When others rejoice at 12 weeks, I was lining up for the Chorionic
Villus Sampling, a procedure that carries a 2% risk of miscarriage. This
test would reveal the genetic makeup of my baby,” Charli shared.
Both of their daughters have inherited one type of dwarfism, so as
they await the results for their third child, the couple is faced with
four possible outcomes.
The baby could be of average height, could have Achondroplasia like
Charli, could inherit Cullen’s Geleophysic Dysplasia, or could receive
both genetic types, resulting in what’s known as “double dominant
dwarfism,” which medical professionals believe would be fatal at birth.
If faced with the latter, Charli would be forced to make the
heartbreaking decision of whether to continue the pregnancy.
In her heartfelt Instagram post, Charli acknowledged the uncertainty
they live with, stating that she was waiting anxiously to learn if their
baby’s journey would continue or end before March 2021.
Charli is no stranger to criticism for choosing to share her life so
openly, especially given the challenges her family faces. But she
addresses this directly. “I’ve faced criticism for choosing to have
babies with these odds, but by sharing this small piece of our story,
doubters can see that bringing a child into the world with these
challenges is not a simple decision. It’s about kindness,” she
explained.
Today, the Worgan family celebrates the birth of their baby boy, Rip,
who arrived in late February. Charli posted a beautiful photo of
herself and her newborn, sharing some insightful words for other
parents.
“I may be tired, but I’m overwhelmingly grateful and fortunate.
There’s no ‘right’ way to navigate motherhood, and there’s certainly no
‘wrong’ way either,” she wrote.
Charli’s journey as a mother mirrors the experiences of many. Her
story is a powerful reminder that the challenges and joys of parenthood
are universal. Through her openness, Charli and her family have become a
testament to resilience, love, and the courage to embrace life fully,
no matter the odds.
