Meet Quaden.
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Quaden was born with achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism. It’s a genetic disorder that stunts bone growth and has serious health complications.
Quaden has had four major surgeries, with an average of eight procedures each operation. Surgery is risky because achondroplasia causes shortness of breath and Quaden could stop breathing under the anaesthetic.
"Every surgery is either going to kill him or save him," says Quaden's mother Yarraka Bayles.
Quaden has been in hospital for the past month after undergoing emergency surgery to stop fluid from putting pressure on his brain and spinal cord.
Yarraka says there is still a stigma around dwarfism. "People on the street sometimes stare, point and laugh at Quaden."
That prejudice prompted Yarraka and Quaden to create the Stand Tall for Dwarfism campaign - supporters include celebrities like Rabbitohs Captain Greg Inglis ...
Singer Guy Sebastian..
And The Footy Show's Beau Ryan.
Quaden hopes to get out of hospital soon and Yarraka says, "he's a strong kid, he doesn't let the pain get to him - he just smiles and puts up with it."
To find out more about Quaden's campaign check out the Facebook page.
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