A diagnosis of achondroplasia shortly after birth, and a team to help Kemiyah thrive

Before Kemiyah Robinson’s birth at VCU Medical Center, her grandmother and legal guardian, Regina Holmes, had done her research and selected Dr. Tiffany Kimbrough as Kemiyah’s pediatrician. A few weeks later, she learned they would come to know many other experts at CHoR as well.

Our genetics team diagnosed Kemiyah with achondroplasia, a bone growth disorder and the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism, when she was just 4 weeks old. Since then, Regina has relied on Dr. Kimbrough to help connect Kemiyah with the right specialists at the right time.

Pediatric specialty care at CHoR keeps Kemiyah going strong

“We monitor Kemiyah for any complications related to achondroplasia and have already faced some health hurdles. For example, she developed a condition called hydrocephalus, or water on the brain. This required a visit with our neurosurgery team and ultimately the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to help stabilize this condition, but you would never know to look at her,” said Dr. Kimbrough. “We will also be monitoring for orthopaedic complications that can arise as she grows.”

Neurosurgeon Dr. Gary Tye placed the shunt when Kemiyah was 8 months old. He collaborates with Dr. Kelley Dodson on our ENT team to make sure it continues working well.

“Kemiyah’s care has been nothing but the best. Dr. Kimbrough, she’s an angel for us. Her level of care is awesome. I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” said Regina. “Dr. Dodson is on it. Dr. Tye, he’s an angel also. Ortho has been great making sure her bones are aligned.”

Dr. Kimbrough credits Regina as an essential member of the team as well.

“Kemiyah's grandmother is diligent to make sure that Kemiyah is able to enjoy all the things other children her age do. She goes above and beyond to ensure Kemiyah’s medical care is optimized to keep her going strong,” said Dr. Kimbrough.

Kemiyah’s big personality and even bigger future

Now at 4 years old, Kemiyah is flourishing and making sure the world knows she’s in charge. Her grandma can’t help but be proud of her strength in the midst of all she’s been through.

“Kemiyah moves to the beat of her own drum. We take the day with her as it comes,” said Regina with a laugh. “She doesn’t see her height. Her diagnosis doesn’t stop her. She’s a strong, determined child. She’s not a quitter.”

Kemiyah loves to read and be read to. She loves to draw. She loves to be outside riding her bike or playing with her friends at daycare. And she has a bedroom full of stuffed animals! As Kemiyah prepares for her last year of preschool before beginning kindergarten, her family and medical team are confident great things lie ahead.

“Kemiyah is such a delight. She is a ball of energy and experiences so much joy in her daily life. I love seeing her grow and thrive. She doesn't let anything hold her back,” added Dr. Kimbrough.

Kemiyah enjoys her visits with her favorite doctor too!

Meet our other CHoR Calendar Kids on the blog.