Mistaken for a Child: A 23-Year-Old Woman Is "Stuck" in the Body of an Eight-Year-Old Girl (3 photos + 1 video)

Shauna Rae's condition began when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor at six months old. Chemotherapy saved her life, but it damaged her pituitary gland, which stunted her growth.





Because of childhood brain cancer, the girl's pituitary gland does not develop properly, which has led to pituitary dwarfism. She is only 3ft 10in (117cm) tall and weighs 50lbs (23kg).

Shauna explained that she does not like the description "a woman trapped in an eight-year-old's body."

"That's not an accurate description. I'm not stuck in an eight-year-old's body. I'm just short, but my body has matured and gone through puberty like any other 23-year-old," she said.



Shauna's condition began when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of six months. Chemotherapy saved her life, but it disrupted her pituitary gland, which stunted her growth and slowed hormone production.

Shauna's TV show and social media presence help her break down stereotypes about people with pituitary dwarfism. She also opens up to fans and journalists about the challenges she faces in her daily life. For example, during one of her medical examinations, the staff refused to let her go home without "an adult's accompaniment" because they mistook her for a child.



In addition, Shauna talks about challenges on the personal front, admitting that some people are not sincerely interested in her.

"I have learned to recognize people with dishonest intentions. They perceive me more as an object of study, rather than a person," the American noted.

Despite the difficulties, Shauna continues to live an active life, inspiring people with her example and proving that height does not determine personality and opportunities.