PORTLAND, ME – Shiloh Pepin, known the world over as ‘Mermaid Girl”, has sadly passed away.
Shiloh was born with sirenomelia, also known as “Mermaid Syndrome.” Children are born with their legs fused together, which looks like a mermaid’s tail.
It is not the fusing of the legs, but a host of other medical problems that leaves few survivors, usually problematic kidney and bladder development.
A few patients have made it past infancy, including Shiloh. Born with only 6 inches of large colon, a kidney a quarter of the normal size, and missing a bladder and uterus, Shiloh was expected to survive for only a few months.
However, after a kidney transplant at the age of two, she was able to live for a number of years. She was considered a hero to disabled children, and made appearances on shows like The Oprah Winfrey Show, as well as an hour-long TLC special.
She was one of only three known survivors of sirenomelia who lived without surgical leg separation, however it was considered impossible for her to live to adulthood without the surgery. She passed away after a fight with pneumonia.
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October 26th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
she was an angel now at peace we wish her parents the best
October 26th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Oh we will miss her darely. My family and I would watch her episodes on TV. We loved her darely as she was such a happy spirited young girl even though she was different. From watching her episodes I taught my daugher that being different is the same love as anyone else no matter how there appearance is. Our prayers go out to her family and we will miss SHILOH. HUGS & KISSES.- FROM ELGIN IL.
October 27th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
how did she go to the bathroom? where did the urine go if she had no bladder?
October 27th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
she had a tube and a bag that she had to carry with her.
October 29th, 2009 at 1:43 am
The little girl was a true princess and a great example for the disabled and non-disabled. My prayers are with the family as they grieve for her. Remember the happy times and know that you loved her.
December 10th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
she had a colostomy and a catheter…the poor little thing was born without genetalia or an anus. her parents had to change her bags all the time…they were some of the most selfish people, by the way. they couldn't even keep their marriage together for the sake of that little girl, so in addition to living with her horrible affliction and dealing with those emotions, they had to separate and cause her even more grief. what a sad life for that little soul
December 13th, 2009 at 3:52 am
to say "they were some of the most selfish people, by the way" of the Pepin's is obsurd. They raised this little girl with so much love and bravery. Getting a divorce doesnt mean they didnt love her. its better that they split up and didnt stay angry at each other and have shiloh witness the negative atmosphere that would create.
December 15th, 2009 at 2:08 am
I agree, she was a wonderfull girl.
December 22nd, 2009 at 1:16 am
I never realized how wonderful the world was or could be until I heard about Shilo. I will remember you Shilo forever and I wish I could have been lucky enough to have met you in this life. You accomplished more in ten years than most people in a life time. Thank you for helping us understand the meaning of a life well lived.
February 4th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
the mermaid girl was a marvelous i would have done anything to save the little angel so so amazing and believe that she was no diffrent from all the others bless her heart ilove her evan thow i did not c her best wishes a fellow girl love katie