Mom noticed her 2-year-old’s pupils looked different—her discovery changed daughter's life forever
A mother’s emotional TikTok post has deeply moved viewers, showing how one ordinary moment can take on a whole new meaning in the face of life-changing news. Erica Minond shared a clip through her account @lydia.jean.pdcd, giving the world a glimpse into her daughter’s journey, who has a rare genetic condition, per Newsweek. What first looked like a sweet memory quickly took on a much deeper message.
Erica, 31, resides in New Jersey with her baby boy and two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Lydia. She has used her TikTok page since 2023 to raise awareness about Lydia’s rare illness, Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Deficiency (PDCD). In the clip that touched hearts around the world, 5-month-old baby Lydia is seen trying ice cream for the first time. She smiles with blue ice cream around her mouth. But the onscreen texts reveal the heartbreak, “It’s the only video I’ll ever have of my daughter eating ice cream.” Five days later, Lydia was diagnosed with the disease.
PDCD is a genetic condition that stops the body from using sugar and carbohydrates as energy. “In PDCD, the 'gate' that allows this conversion is essentially broken,” Erica told Newsweek. “Instead of becoming energy, sugar builds up and turns into acid in the blood. At the same time, the brain and body are left starving for 'fuel.'" For Lydia, this means carbohydrates are toxic. Erica explained that even small amounts of sugar can lead to serious symptoms, including vomiting, confusion, seizures, or even organ failure.
As a result, Lydia must follow a strict medical ketogenic diet for life. Erica further shared that while Lydia appeared healthy at birth, warning signs appeared by four months. She wasn’t holding her head up properly. Her pupils seemed to be two different sizes and she seemed to favour her right side. All of this made her worry and so trusting her instincts, Erica pushed for genetic testing. The results confirmed what doctors had missed; Lydia had PDCD. That diagnosis changed their lives forever.
Since then, every bite Lydia takes has to be carefully measured. Her diet is made up of proteins and fats, no milk, grains, pasta, or sugary treats. The goal is to slow the disease’s progress, not cure it. “For most kids, sugar is a treat,” Erica said. “But for Lydia, it could take her life.” Despite the restrictions, Lydia is defying the odds. She has recently started walking and can say around 20 words—milestones doctors said she might never reach. Erica called these moments “miracles.”
Doctors had warned the family that 90 percent of children with PDCD don’t live past age four. But Lydia is still here, growing and surprising them every day. Erica credits support from Hope for PDCD Foundation, a nonprofit that connects families, raises awareness, and funds research into treatments. The foundation has helped her find hope and community in what can often feel like an isolating journey.
Despite the struggles, Erica says Lydia remains a joyful child. She is also "funny, curious, loving, and opinionated,” she shared. “She loves Ms. Rachel and loves to paint. She is truly such a special, happy girl.” Through her story, Erica hopes not only to raise awareness about PDCD but to remind people of the strength found in love, persistence, and a mother’s belief in her child’s future.
@lydia.jean.pdcd A little over two years later and I still get upset thinking of all the foods Lydia will never be able to enjoy due to this condition #fyp #babygirl #foryoupage #geneticcondition #raredisease ♬ original sound - ꨄ
For more endearing content, follow @lydia.jean.pdcd on her TikTok account.