1 in 1 million births
Hanhart syndrome, the birth defect Briel was born with affecting all four limbs, occurs in approximately 1 in 1 million people in the United States.
Snapshot · We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson
Born With No Limbs: I Didn't Want To Be Their Poster Child! Briel Adams-Wheatley
Explore episode
Jun 23, 2026
Where this was said
Statistics Around Hand Heart Syndrome
At 5:23 · chapter starts 4:39
Briel's story begins in Brazil, where her birth mother, overwhelmed by four existing children and the discovery of a secret second family her partner had maintained, left newborn Briel in the hospital after learning she had no arms or legs. What follows is a story that feels almost scripted by fate: a Utah Mormon family, already nine months pregnant with their 11th biological child and living on a seminary teacher's income, was introduced to Briel's existence through another adoption happening on the same plane. The adoptive mother couldn't let go of the idea. The father prayed at the Mormon temple and reported a vision of Briel and his unborn child growing up as best friends. The adoption agency rejected the family outright — then, a week later, an entire boardroom fell silent and reversed the decision, agreeing that a family of 11 loving siblings was exactly what a nine-month-old who'd only known nurse rounds could need. American Airlines, moved by the national news coverage, flew Briel to her new family at no cost. The reception was filmed, tearful, and full. [1] — Briel Adams-Wheatley "Briel's birth mother left her in a Brazilian hospital after learning she had no arms or legs. A Mormon family in Utah, already expecting th…" 02:20
What Is Hanhart Syndrome?
Hanhart syndrome is a birth defect affecting 1 in 1 million people, impacting limbs, fingers, toes, or sometimes the jaw. For Briel, it affected all four limbs and caused a cleft palate. Between the 1930s and 1990s, only 30 cases were ever recorded.
Only 30 recorded Hanhart cases (1930s–1990s)
Between the mid-1930s and the 1990s, only 30 incidents of Hanhart syndrome were recorded, illustrating how extraordinarily rare the condition is.
13 biological children in adoptive family
Briel's adoptive parents had 13 biological children of their own, yet still chose to adopt Briel, who has a significant physical disability.
Up and Down the Stairs 20 Times Every Morning
Briel's adoptive mother required her to go up and down the stairs 20 times in 20 minutes every morning before school and breakfast. When she lied about completing it, her mother caught her by timing inconsistencies. The training instilled independence that now makes Briel refuse help even when her mother offers it.
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