Princess Margaret Hospital
Athena Thompson
How PMH changed Athena's life.
In 1988, Athena Thompson was borne with a rare chromosomal condition called Sotos Syndrome. The condition causes cranio-facial abnormalities including larger than average head, high forehead and wide-spaced eyes.
The unseen characteristics include early childhood development delays, slow motor skills, and behavioral problems. Athena was also born with an advanced set back lower jaw and buckteeth that resulted in slurred speech and taunting from other kids.
"I used to come home from school in tears because I was teased so much," Athena said.
"The bullying caused me to have a really low self-esteem and self-confidence, and I became a very withdrawn person."
It wasn’t until 2003, when Athena moved to Perth from Margaret River, that everything began to change. The turning point was the orthodontic treatment she received at PMH, and the major operation she underwent to bring her jaw six inches forward.
"All the work I received at PMH literally changed my life. As soon as the braces we put on, the taunting stopped and I had the confidence to stand up for myself once more. I also started getting involved in performing arts, which is something that I could have done before the treatment."
Athena has just graduated from TAFE and she continues to receive treatment at PMH. Her goal is to travel the world and open a dance company.
