Hamish Robinson A boy with a unique genetic disorder - the absence of chromosome 7p22.1 Date of Birth: 01.01.2009 Country: Great Britain

1. A Boy with a Unique Genetic Condition: Hamish Robinson
2. Defining Hamish's Syndrome
3. Accompanying Challenges
4. Medical Research
5. Unique Inspiration

A Boy with a Unique Genetic Condition: Hamish Robinson

Hamish Robinson, a 10-year-old boy from Britain, suffers from a rare genetic condition that has led to a kidney growing in his leg. Robinson was born without a specific region of chromosome 7, resulting in a genetic abnormality that has not been named. Doctors refer to the condition as "Hamish's syndrome."

Defining Hamish's Syndrome

The structural birth defect is characterized by a fully functioning kidney in the upper part of Robinson's right thigh. Doctors have refrained from removing the misplaced organ as it does not appear to have any adverse health effects. "It's very rare to have an ectopic kidney, about one in 900 people," said Dr. Andrew Ordon. "But having it in the leg, I don't think that's been reported before."

Accompanying Challenges

In addition to the kidney displacement, Robinson faces other challenges, including asthma and spinal problems. He struggles with learning and has hearing loss, requiring a voice computer to communicate. Robinson has a normally functioning kidney in the correct location. "His condition is just off the Richter scale of unusual," his mother, Kay, says. "It's a bit frustrating because nobody knows what to expect."

Medical Research

A geneticist who worked with Robinson wrote a medical paper about his case, but no professionals are willing to make any further prognoses about his condition. Born six weeks premature, weighing just 2 pounds, Robinson remained in the hospital for three weeks before his single mother could take him home. Over time, it became apparent that Robinson was not developing as expected. He did not utter any words until he was 17 months old, when he finally said "Mum." He then remained silent for six years.

Unique Inspiration

The medical paper's author identified the chromosomal abnormality in Robinson. Since then, doctors have searched extensively for more information about the effects of missing chromosome 7p22.1. They have not found any other known cases in the world. Despite his challenges, the now 10-year-old boy refuses to let his condition hold him back. He participates in a mime group and attends a mainstream school, receiving support with reading and writing. Robinson also takes karate lessons and enjoys jumping on a trampoline. "He just takes it all in his stride," says his mother. "I don't know how he does it. He's the most inspirational person you could ever meet. He's the biggest blessing in my life."