Tiny Teen: Primordial Dwarf Teenager Hopes To Be A Star

The 19-year-old was born with primordial dwarfism, a rare condition that only affects about 100 people in the world, which causes short stature and health problems, including the threat of brain aneurysms and a shortened life-span.

Hannah has to bravely face the reality of her condition, while also dealing with the normal teenage challenges of graduating from high school, choosing a career, dreaming about boys and finding a date for her end of year prom.

The bubbly teen, who weighs just over two stone, also spends her free time taking hip-hop and ballet classes and has her own voice coach. 

Hannah said: “Everyone thinks I’m five-years-old when they see me and it’s frustrating because I’m not a baby.

“Just because I’m smaller, doesn’t mean I’m any different. 

“Looking to the future, I’d like to get married and have my own family." 

Hannah was adopted by Jackie and Larry Kritzeck at birth and grew up in Minnesota, USA.

She said: “Growing up I always knew I was different from my brothers, Mark and Matt, and my sister, Kelly, who were average height. 

She said: “Growing up I always knew I was different from my brothers, Mark and Matt, and my sister, Kelly, who were average height. 

“My mom and dad still made sure I had a normal childhood though. 

“They lowered all the light switches and put stools in the bathroom and kitchen because I can’t reach the counter and sinks.”

But she soon learned her normal teenage experiences were going to be different from those of her friends. 

She said: “I go shopping with my friends but finding clothes that fit me is extremely difficult. 

“I always have to get my clothes tailored or in a kids size - I can’t buy high heeled shoes like my other friends.” 

Hannah’s condition comes with many medical conditions and she needs regular monitoring, including annual MRI scans to check for the possibility of brain aneurysms.

And because her teeth and mouth are so small she has dental implants.

She also developed scoliosis and had two titanium rods placed in her back when she was young.

But despite the limitations posed by her condition, Hannah has never let it get in the way of her passion for dancing. 

She said: “I’ve been dancing since I was two-years-old, and took gymnastics at three. 

“I love dancing because it makes me feel good - hip-hop makes me feel strong and ballet calms me down.” 

And just like many other teenage girls, Hannah is looking for love. 

“Lots of my friends have boyfriends - I’d like to have a boyfriend, and I believe in romance - but I just haven’t got it yet. 

“My ideal man would be someone with blue eyes, brown hair, and a mohawk - and someone who would protect me. 

“Looking to the future, I’d like to get married and have my own family. 

“I would like to have two kids, a boy and a girl." 

But protective mum, Jackie, 63, worries about Hannah, who is so small she still wears children’s size four shoes.  

Jackie said: "The risks are always going to be there and yes that does worry me a lot. 

“Hannah does have a dream to have her own family to have a husband to have a child

"I guess delving into her life expectancy is a hard thing. I don’t like to talk about it but do need to face it. 

"We’re just going to I’ve each day like there isn’t one tomorrow. That’s all you can do. Live to the fullest.”

And while under no illusions about the seriousness of her condition, Hannah doesn’t dwell on it.

She said: “My advice to anyone living with the condition would be to never give up on your dream, and keep trying.”