Early this month, Governor Sam Brownback declared October dwarfism month and for one Salina police officer and her family it has a special meaning.
Petey Eshleman's daughter Addison is just like any other five-year-old girl.
"She likes to ride her bike a lot," Petey said. "She likes to jump on the trampoline."
When Addison was born she was diagnosed with one of the more than 200 types of dwarfism.
"It kind of came as a shock and we just wanted to educate ourselves as much as we could," Petey said.
Now, Addison's family has taken on the challenge to inform others about Dwarfism.
"We love the fact that we get asked a lot of questions when we are out and about with her," Petey said. "People really do notice her and we our proud to educate people as best we can."
Addison's family has come up with many ways to keep Addison independent. They use step-stools to help her get onto the trampoline or get to the sink. They also have tied a plastic rod to the light switch in her room to help Addison turn off the lights herself. All of that it important because Addison is definitely her own person.
There's also a strong little person community in this area of the country. Groups like the Sunflower Chapter of the Little People of America offer the Eshleman family support and advice.
Addison may already have an idea of what she really wants to be. She says she wants to be a teacher because there are a lot of kids in her class. But for now Addison is a five-year old girl.
