Thalidomide Survivor Tony Larkins Reaches 50 in 'Remarkable' Health
Born without a tongue and with a stunted growth on one side of his body, doctors predicted Tony Larkins would not live more than 25 years.
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March 1, 2010
When Tony Larkins, whose mother was prescribed thalidomide when she was pregnant, was born without a tongue and with a stunted growth on one side of his body, doctors predicted he would not live more than 25 years.
Despite the odds, the Springfield, Oregon resident celebrated his 50th birthday last week, with doctors stressing his 'remarkable" health under the circumstances, according to KVAL.com.
Still, Larkin has had a hard life, enduring multiple surgeries and much teasing from classmates when he was growing up. Nonetheless, his optimistic attitude has helped him to overcome the adversity and thrive.
"Right now, I'm enjoying life," he told the news provider, adding, "I figure, I hit my prime, time to sit back and enjoy life for a little bit."
According to the FDA, fewer than 20 Americans were born with defects traceable to the drug, although there are many survivors living everywhere from Japan to Kenya to Peru. In Europe, the largest concentration is believed to be in Germany, where thalidomide was available over the counter in the 1950s and 1960s.
Experts advise pregnant women not to take any medications without consulting with their physicians in order to avoid birth defects.
The Thalidomide Society was established to provide support to survivors and their families, and it accepts donations.
When Tony Larkins, whose mother was prescribed thalidomide when she was pregnant, was born without a tongue and with a stunted growth on one side of his body, doctors predicted he would not live more than 25 years.
Despite the odds, the Springfield, Oregon resident celebrated his 50th birthday last week, with doctors stressing his 'remarkable" health under the circumstances, according to KVAL.com.
Still, Larkin has had a hard life, enduring multiple surgeries and much teasing from classmates when he was growing up. Nonetheless, his optimistic attitude has helped him to overcome the adversity and thrive.
"Right now, I'm enjoying life," he told the news provider, adding, "I figure, I hit my prime, time to sit back and enjoy life for a little bit."
According to the FDA, fewer than 20 Americans were born with defects traceable to the drug, although there are many survivors living everywhere from Japan to Kenya to Peru. In Europe, the largest concentration is believed to be in Germany, where thalidomide was available over the counter in the 1950s and 1960s.
Experts advise pregnant women not to take any medications without consulting with their physicians in order to avoid birth defects.
The Thalidomide Society was established to provide support to survivors and their families, and it accepts donations.
