Isa Slish Makes History as First Gerber Baby With a Congenital Deformity

Gerber has just revealed its 2022 photo contest winner, handing the title of "spokesbaby" and "chief growing officer" to Isa Slish. The seven-month-old was announced as the 2022 Gerber Photo Search winner on the TODAY show on Wednesday, May 4, surprising Isa's parents, Meredith and John, live on air.

Young Isa made history with the award, becoming the first Gerber baby with a limb difference. The Oklahoma native was born missing part of her right leg. The competition was not easy, with Isa chosen as the 2022 Gerber Spokesbaby from more than 225,000 applicants. This was Gerber's 12th annual photo search. The only requirement for this year's search was that the baby should be 0-48 months old and they live in the United States, D.C., or Puerto Rico.

Meredith told TODAY Parents that they were ecstatic, and Isa's win was such a big surprise. She added that whenever you enter your child in a contest like this, the expectation is that someone looks at her picture, so this is incredible, and they are so happy.

Gerber baby Isa born with Congenital Femoral Deficiency and Fibular Hemimelia

Meredith added that Isa is a strong, amazing little girl that loves to interact with the world around her, and nothing will stop her. The proud mom said Isa's smile lights up the room and that her laughter is irresistible.

Isa's cheerful personality was there for all to see during the segment when she was announced as the winner of Gerber's photo search, beaming at the TV hosts while sitting on her mother's lap. Isa's demeanor is even more impressive because she was born with Congenital Femoral Deficiency and Fibular Hemimelia.

Meredith told Yahoo Life they knew Isa was special even before she was born in September 2021, and she has shown them that every day since she came into their lives. Meredith explained that she and her husband found out at 18 weeks that Isa would be born without a fibula or a femur in her right leg.

Meredith said that while the world around them seeks to embrace individuality and uniqueness, they hope that awareness for limb differences will lead to greater inclusion for kids like Isa. Meredith gave a message to other parents facing a similar diagnosis with their children, saying that there is hope.

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Gerber excited to work with spokesbaby Isa

According to Gerber, Isa's hobbies include babbling to four-year-old big sister Temperance, enjoying the breeze, and playing with her toy hippo. Meredith said her daughters have a great bond with older sister Tempy, adoring baby Isa.

Gerber President and CEO Tarun Malkani issued a statement about the award in a press release, saying, "We could not be more excited to work with Isa and her family throughout this next year to find moments of joy for every Gerber baby."

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