LPBW couple Zach and Tori Roloff reveal their newborn son Josiah Luke Roloff has achondroplasia but say the condition doesn’t define him.
Sweet couple Zach and Tori Roloff of Little People, Big World fame have revealed that their newborn son has achondroplasia. Zach and Tori have been ecstatic since welcoming their third child Josiah Luke Roloff on April 30. Following Josiah’s birth, Zach, 32, revealed that the little one came two weeks early, but he and Tori were prepared. The Pennsylvania native also gushed about Josiah’s birth on social media, “Super happy for our family, and the kids adore him already. Very proud of Tori as well, she has done incredible! .” Tori also noted on social media that Josiah’s birth was the best early birthday present a mother could ask for. She also called her newborn son a sweet boy.
The couple, who is also parents to Jackson, 5, and Lilah, 2, could hardly contain their joy as Josiah’s birth came after Tori had initially suffered a devastating miscarriage. Tori, 31, revealed on social media that she and her husband were so happy about having a third child, only to have that joy snatched when their first ultrasound at eight weeks revealed that they had lost the baby two weeks earlier. However, Tori and Zach became joyful once again when she conceived again, but the happy mom became quite edgy about her unborn child’s safety due to her past experience. Thankfully, she had no complications before and after Josiah’s birth.
Three weeks after welcoming their third child, Zach and Tori confirmed that their little boy has achondroplasia, like his and older siblings. During a conversation with Us Weekly, the couple revealed why they decided to go public about their son’s diagnosis and why it’s important to remember that Josiah’s condition is not his identity. Zach said about his son, “He’s Josiah. He has achondroplasia, but he’s not, like, Josiah the achondroplasia.” Tori also chipped in, “Just like I’m Tori, I have brown hair. I’m not a brunette — like, that’s not how I would classify myself.”
Achondroplasia is a form of dwarfism, which the Roloff family has a history. Zach suffers from the condition, just like his parents, Matt and Amy Roloff. However, his twin brother, Jeremy, and his other siblings, Molly and Jacob, do not have it. Tori explained that achondroplasia is normal for the Roloffs, but they have many resources to cope with it. However, the reality television star also said that many parents do not have the same resources and confidence she and Zach have. Hence, the couple promised to use their platform to support people living with dwarfism.
Josiah’s achondroplasia diagnosis may not surprise many Little People, Big World fans, as dwarfism runs in the Roloff family. However, while Zach and Tori are not bothered about their son’s diagnosis, it is good that they understand that many people in the world still lack such confidence. Hopefully, their plan to help people with dwarfism will yield positive results. With Josiah’s current diagnosis being his only medical condition, his parents will undoubtedly continue to enjoy parenting the little one without worry.