Born Different: The Little Girl With Bones as Fragile as Glass
Six-year-old Zoe Lush from Huntington Beach, California, has been called the “girl made of glass” — a nickname that reflects both her extraordinary fragility and her unbreakable spirit.
Zoe was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare genetic condition that causes bones to be extremely brittle and prone to fracturing with even the slightest pressure or movement. Her mother, Chelsea Lush, says Zoe’s bones were breaking before she even entered the world.
“She broke several bones in the womb, shattered her collarbone during birth, and had over a hundred fractures before her first birthday,” Chelsea shared.
At one point, Zoe’s bones were breaking as often as once a week. Doctors warned her parents that she might never walk or live without constant pain. Yet, through physical therapy, medical treatments, and sheer determination, Zoe has grown stronger — and her bone breaks have become less frequent.
She has undergone multiple surgeries, including the insertion of metal rods and a spinal fusion, which have helped stabilize her body and reduce pain.
Despite the immense challenges, Zoe’s personality shines.
“She’s social, funny, and has this magnetic way of making friends,” her mother said. “People are drawn to her positivity.”
Zoe’s condition has also caused dangerous complications. At one point, the bones in her neck began to wear away, leaving her nearly internally decapitated — a terrifying ordeal that required urgent surgical intervention.
Still, Zoe’s spirit remains indomitable. She lives with her parents, Chelsea and Curtis Lush, and her younger brother Felix, 3, who adores his big sister.
The Lush family continues to hope for advances in medical research that could one day lead to a cure. Until then, they’re focused on celebrating every milestone — and every smile — their remarkable daughter achieves.
“Zoe may have bones that break easily,” Chelsea said, “but her courage is absolutely unbreakable.”
