Family Of Five With Dwarfism Increases Its Fan Base When Mother Reveals Third Child

Oct 06, 2021

In 2013, Charli Worgan started a public Instagram account to share her life with the world. Unlike most social media influencers, Charli is a little person, which is to say she’s one of more than 600,000 people in the world with dwarfism. Today, eight years after Charli began her journey on Instagram, she has accumulated more than 300,000 followers.

Beyond posting about the occasional skincare product or workout tip, Charli keeps her online community abreast of her family life, which includes Cullen Adams, her husband, their daughters, Tilba and Tully, and their recently born son, Rip. Together, the Australian family appears on Charli’s positive Instagram feed as the family heads to the beach or to the rock climbing gym.

Each member of the family has one of two types of dwarfism — either Achondroplasia and Geleophysic Dysplasia — though there are more than 400 recognized types in the world. Although Charli and Cullen provide a normal life for their children, their genetic condition meant that Rip, who was born in March 2021, might not have survived.

As Charli explained in a Facebook post, there are four possible outcomes for Charli and Cullen’s babies. They could have a baby of average height; their baby could have Achondroplasia, Charli’s form of dwarfism; their baby could have Geleophysic Dysplasia, Cullen’s form of dwarfism; or their baby could inherit both forms of dwarfism — double dominant dwarfism — which would be fatal.

Luckily, Rip came into this world without any complications, and Charli continues to regularly post photos of the 7-month-old.

“I’ve copped criticism for choosing to have babies with these odds and that’s a whole conversation in itself, however by sharing this tiny piece of the puzzle those who doubt can see that bringing a child into this world with my odds is no simple decision and it’s all about being kind,” Charli wrote in April 2020 on her decision to have Rip.

Given their massive following online, Charli and Cullen have heard their fair share of criticism, with some people going as far as saying the couple shouldn’t have children.

“People are braver behind a keyboard,” Charli explained in a 2018 interview with the Newcastle Herald.

“When they question us having children, they have this belief that we go through life being bullied or suppressed, but that’s not reality. We just go out there. We don’t feel any different,” Cullen added. 

“People with dwarfism, they may have some serious issues, health issues. But that’s the same as the general population. Just because we’re a dwarf doesn’t mean that we’re suffering from some sort of serious health issue or we’re getting bullied. We’re just everyday humans.”

Charli explained that although it’s true that their children have inherited their dwarfism and the health issues that come along with the condition, having children was a “no brainer” for the couple.

“I don’t think either of us ever thought of it individually, the option to not have kids because of a chance that they could be like us, because as far as we’re concerned, we live a kickass life,” Charli told the paper in 2018.

“We just look at our own life and feel that we are totally fulfilled and satisfied and happy, and by no means have we suffered or anything like that. People get bullied or get pointed out because of difference for a million different reasons. Physically being short is just one,” she added.

And though they do receive the occasional negative comment, Charlie noted that the vast majority of feedback they receive is positive. 

“My gorgeous granddaughter was born with achondroplasia in August. Your posts give me confidence that she will live a very happy life comfortable with who she is,” one fan commented on an October 2021 post for Dwarfism Awareness Month. 

Another fan shared a similar story, commenting, “You are doing a great and very important thing! I have a son with down syndrome, it has nothing to do with dwarfism, but it means I am also a mom of a different child. I try my best to advocate and educate. I love reading your posts and also tell others about your family!”

In his interview with the Newcastle Herald, Cullen said that dwarfism can even be a positive thing, as it has led him to unique career opportunities. When he was a child, companies would cast him in television commercials, and as an adult, he worked on “Snow White and the Huntsman” as a stuntman and on “Thor” doing CGI work.

“It’s really cool. It’s definitely something that I’m proud of and I can show the girls when they grow up, and I’m sure that they’ll appreciate it too,” Cullen said.

What do you think of Charli and Cullen’s family and thoughts on having children? Let us know — and be sure to pass this on to get other opinions.