Bonnie J. Rough (9-16-2010)

By On September 2, 2010 · 1 Comment

During every pregnancy, parents hope for a healthy baby. New mothers and fathers wait with baited breath to see whether their child has “all his or her fingers and toes.” But for parents who carry genetic conditions, the pregnancy waiting game, and the question of what constitutes a “healthy” child, become far more complicated.

Though she does not have the condition herself, Bonnie J. Rough carries the gene for hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, or HED, in her genetic code. The condition affects bone structure, hair, sweat glands, and can cause immunodeficiency, leading to a life of discomfort and related illness. Her memoir, Carrier: Untangling the Danger in My DNA, works through the family history, four generations long, of individuals affected by HED. Assuming the voices of her grandfather, Earl, and mother, Paula, as well as writing in her own voice, Rough provides an intimate portrait of a biological legacy.

Complete Show


Excerpt: Bonnie J. Rough reads Carrier‘s prologue, “Letter to an Unborn Son”

Tagged with: •
 
  • Anonymous

    After listening to this Excerpt that sounds so daunting and horrific to be born with this birth disorder it feels as if our son was born with a much different condition…although in fact he was born with HED. He is brilliant, happy and successful and he is but a teenager. He is confidant and compassionate and does not believe that he is doomed because of his HED condition. IT does not define him. He does not “have trouble breathing” and suffer from “sleepless nights”? He has worn dentures since the age of 3 and has adjusted quite well to implants. We adapt to hot temperatures and it limits him very little. As for face deformity…it is difficult to detect really…unless one points it out scientificly. Bonnie needs to educate herself on ALL people whom are affected by HED as not all have the same symptoms, and we as a family associate with over 5,ooo other families affected in the nation know that being born with HED is no reason to abort. That is sad to even imagine…life is good Bonnie. I believe there is a purpose for many whom are born imperfect..and that is simply to emulate the true beauty of ones soul.