The youngest mother in the world risked everything to bring three children into the world—now take a look at the beautiful family she has today.

Stacey Herald, often recognized as the world’s smallest mother, went against serious medical warnings to pursue her lifelong dream of raising a family. At only 71 centimeters, or 28 inches, tall, the Kentucky woman had osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare inherited condition that limited her growth, made her bones extremely fragile, and affected the development of her lungs.

Medical specialists cautioned Stacey that pregnancy could put her life in danger because the growing baby could place severe pressure on her heart and lungs. Even with these concerns, Stacey and her husband, Wil, became parents to three children within three years. Two of the children were born with the same genetic condition as their mother.

Despite using a wheelchair, Stacey played an active and loving role in caring for her children. She used specially designed equipment to help with bathing and diaper changes, while Wil handled many of the responsibilities during the night. Stacey frequently called her children miracles and approached motherhood with extraordinary strength, devotion, and determination.