Across the world, married couples embark on the journey of parenthood together. It is a decision made early on, a choice often filled with excitement, love, and hope for the future. However, at times, couples may find themselves questioning why they chose to have children, especially when faced with external scrutiny or personal challenges.
Charli Worgan, a resident of Sydney, Australia, has encountered such questions more than once. She and her husband, Cullen, both live in Sydney and share a unique experience—both were born with different forms of dwarfism. Unfortunately, due to their condition, they have frequently been the subject of criticism and unsolicited opinions regarding their decision to start a family.
Despite the negativity, Charli and Cullen have embraced their life together and remained unwavering in their commitment to building a loving family. Their journey into parenthood has been far from conventional, but they have navigated it with resilience, humor, and an incredible sense of determination. After the birth of their first child, Charli took to social media, creating an account to offer insights into their family life. What started as a personal space to share moments of joy, challenges, and daily experiences soon attracted a massive following. Today, with two daughters and another baby on the way, their social media presence has grown to over 300,000 followers—people who are inspired by their story, their positivity, and their commitment to breaking stereotypes.
Recently, Charli took to social media once again, this time to share exciting news—she was expecting her third child and had already reached the 14-week milestone in her pregnancy. While many followers expressed excitement and support, there were still those who questioned her decision. Every time she became pregnant, she had to undergo extensive genetic testing to ensure the health and well-being of her child. Given that both she and her husband carried genetic conditions, the stakes were high. They needed to confirm whether their unborn child had inherited dwarfism, or more critically, whether the baby had inherited both genetic variations. If that were the case, it would pose a life-threatening condition.
For Charli, pregnancy was never as simple as celebrating the 12-week mark like most expectant mothers. Instead, she had to undergo a crucial yet daunting medical procedure known as Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS). This procedure involved inserting a large needle through her abdomen to collect a placenta sample, allowing doctors to analyze the genetic composition of the baby. While the test provided invaluable insights, it carried a 2% risk of miscarriage—an emotional and physical burden she had to endure with each pregnancy.
Her two daughters, aged two and four, had each inherited one of the two types of dwarfism present in their parents. With her third pregnancy, Charli and Cullen needed to determine which of the four possible genetic outcomes their baby might have. She described the possibilities:
- Their child could be of average height, unaffected by either genetic condition.
- Their child could inherit Charli’s type of dwarfism, known as Achondroplasia.
- Their child could inherit Cullen’s type of dwarfism, known as Geleophysic Dysplasia.
- Their child could inherit both genetic variations, a condition called “double dominant dwarfism,” which, according to medical experts, would be fatal at birth. In this scenario, Charli would be faced with the heartbreaking choice of continuing the pregnancy or terminating it.
Despite the difficult decisions and scrutiny from others, Charli remains steadfast in her belief that her journey is worth sharing. She acknowledges that many people question her and Cullen’s choice to have children given their genetic conditions, but for her, it is about more than just biology—it is about love, resilience, and showing the world that their family, like any other, is built on joy and unwavering support.
Critics often claim that her openness on social media is unnecessary or that she invites negativity by sharing their life publicly. However, Charli believes that their transparency is an opportunity to educate others, to challenge misconceptions, and to provide hope to those who may be going through similar experiences. Having children despite the odds and sharing that journey with the world, she believes, is an act of kindness—an effort to normalize diversity and show that families come in all forms.
Parenting, in general, comes with its own set of struggles, but for Charli and Cullen, the challenges are amplified by societal judgment and the medical complexities of dwarfism. Still, they refuse to let those hurdles define their happiness. Their children are thriving, full of life, and growing up in a household filled with love and laughter. They have proven that with determination and a strong support system, anything is possible.
While some continue to question their choices, Charli and Cullen remain focused on what truly matters—their children’s well-being and happiness. The couple has made it clear that they do not dwell on negativity. Instead, they channel their energy into raising their children to be confident, compassionate, and proud of who they are. They hope that by sharing their experiences, they can inspire others to embrace differences and recognize the beauty in diversity.
As their family continues to grow, so does their impact. Their social media presence is not just about documenting their daily lives—it serves as a platform for awareness, education, and advocacy. They are showing the world that being different is not a limitation, but rather a unique perspective that enriches life in unexpected ways.
Looking ahead, Charli and Cullen remain optimistic about the future. They cherish every milestone, celebrate the small victories, and embrace the unpredictability of parenthood with open hearts. Their journey is a testament to the strength of love, the power of resilience, and the importance of challenging societal norms.
Despite the challenges, one thing remains certain—this couple has created a beautiful family filled with love, and they will continue to share their story, one post at a time. Their three children are growing up surrounded by love and encouragement, proving that happiness is not dictated by genetics but by the strength of the bonds we share.
As they continue navigating life as parents, they do so with grace, humor, and an unshakable sense of purpose. Their story is a reminder that no matter the obstacles, families are built on love, acceptance, and the willingness to embrace life’s uncertainties with open arms. We wish them many more years of joy, togetherness, and the boundless happiness that comes with raising children who are truly loved.
