For those born with Laron, there is hope in the form of a medication called Increlex.

The drug, which was first developed 15 years ago, can cause height increase if given during periods of growth spurts.

But accessing the drug can be difficult and has several limitations: it can only be given to children between the ages of two and 18, and in some cases it has serious side effects.

It can cost more than $800 (£600) per bottle as it is only produced by one pharmaceutical company. A child with Laron syndrome needs at least three bottles a month, which costs $2,400, explains Dr. Guevara.

One of those fighting to get hold of the drug is Mayra Loaiza.

Her daughter Camila, two years old, was supposed to start her treatment six months ago, but she has not yet received her first dose.

Mayra, who also lives in Piñas, is worried about how this could affect Camila’s growth.

“I want my daughter to have as normal a life as possible. I don’t want her to be discriminated against because of her size,” he says, adding that he is confident the medication will increase Camila’s height.

Twins María Luisa and María del Cisne, 40, are among those who missed the window to take the medication.

While they wonder how different their lives would have been if they had been available in their youth, they say they have learned to live with their short stature.

“Now we accept ourselves as we are, but treatment would have saved us a lot of headaches,” says María Luisa.

“I have accepted myself as I am, I accept myself and I thank God for who I am.”