LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Birthdays are special dates most people celebrate every year. But for some, the date only appears on the calendar every four years. That's the case for Leap Day babies.
"So, I will have my 10th birthday, which is so so so huge. I'm actually 40. But this is the 10th birthday that I've ever celebrated in my lifetime. That is all," said JaNae Martin, a Louisville native.
While downtown Thursday, Martin opened up the latest gift from a friend who's been sending small birthday presents leading up to Feb. 29 this year. Martin said she's received a gift card, flowers, balloons, and a box containing a t-shirt with her birth year, 1984, and a candle.
JaNae Martin, who's birthday is on Feb. 29, opens a gift from a friend to celebrate her birthday. (WDRB image)
Last week, dozens gathered to surprise her with a party.
"From the bottom of my heart, it made me cry," she said.
According to the New York Times, the chances of being born on Feb. 29 are 1 in 1,461. A spokesperson for Hardin County Schools said its district has 13 students with Leap Day birthdays. Bullitt County Schools has seven students with the unique birthday.
"I usually celebrate it on Feb. 28 because I like it to still be in February," said Matthew Frye, a 6th grade student at Bernheim Middle School.
Frye is turning 12 years old and is looking forward to having Feb. 29 on the calendar this year.
"It's really exciting. I've only got to do it three times," he said.
Ananaid Slonecker from Bullitt County's Eastside Middle School and Bridgeman Wantland from Bullitt Virtual Academy are also turning 12 this Feb. 29.
"I usually celebrate it on March 1," said Wantland. "... I feel like it just fits better because Feb. 28 is the day before."
This year, Wantland is planning to celebrate with family at home and at his grandmother's house.
Ostena Thorpe, a sophomore at Bullitt Central High School, said she's planning to spend her 16th birthday with friends, while Pleasant Grove 2nd grader, Carson Procter, said he's looking forward to a special day turning eight.
"My favorite part about my birthday is spending time with friends and family," said Procter.
Martin also said each year, what makes her birthday truly special is the people surrounding her.Â
"I'm so thankful to be here. I'm thankful for another day. I'm thankful to have family and friends in my life who mean the world to me," she said.
JaNae Martin celebrates her 40th birthday by having a "10th" birthday party. (WDRB image)
Martin said she remembers every birthday she's had on the 29th and likes to plan something memorable whenever it comes around on the calendar.
"We wait and then we go all out," she said. "Every four years I have a big party."
Carolyn Minutillo, owner of Lavender Hill floral shop in Jeffersonville, Indiana, said she frequently gets people stopping by looking for flowers for birthdays. Arrangements were in the front of the store on Thursday, at least one with a "Happy Birthday" decoration, ready for a Feb. 29 birthday gift.
"I wonder, do they get extra special birthdays since it is only every few years? I don't know," Minutillo said.
Martin said over the years, having a Feb. 29 birthday has presented some unique challenges.
"Like insurance companies for example. I've had them push me into March 1 or Feb. 28 and then it shows up wrong if I use my insurance card and so that's always interesting," she said.
But Martin said having Feb. 29 as a special day to celebrate her birthday is part of what makes her who she is.
"Everyone has something about them. We have to recognize and value each other's differences and so being a leap baby, a 'leapling,' that just makes me different," she said.
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