An Idaho father’s Facebook book went viral after his son, who has a rare condition, was bullied at school over his appearance.
Jackson’s dad, Dan Bezzant, said he has witnessed people of all ages comment on the boy’s appearance.
“One time, a woman walked past us and we could hear her say, ‘Did you see that little boy’s face?’” Bezzant told WREB News.
But after an incident at school, that’s when Bezzant decided to act.
Viral Post
“My heart is in pieces right now and my soul feels like its ripping from my chest,” he began, reported People Magazine.
His post went on:
“This beautiful young man, my son Jackson, has to endure a constant barrage of derogatory comments and ignorance like I’ve never witnessed. He is called ugly and freak and monster on a daily basis by his peers at school. He talks about suicide and he’s not quite 8!
He says he has no friends and everyone hates him. Kids throw rocks at him and push him shouting these horrific words. Please please take a minute and imagine if this were your child. Take a minute to educate your children about special needs. Talk to them about compassion and love for our fellow man.
His condition is called Treacher Collins. Maybe even look it up. He’s endured horrific surgery and has several more in the coming years”, Dan Wrote.
While some might criticize the school or the teachers for the bullying Jackson had to take, Dan doesn’t blame them and he doesn’t want others to either.
Instead, he wants to lay the blame where the responsibility belongs, and that’s with the parents who failed to teach their children kindness, compassion, and acceptance.
“I want parents to see my post and feel my heart break. Please educate your children and let them know that bullying is not OK. Please share this. This shouldn’t be happening to anyone.”
According to People magazine, after his post went viral, Jackson’s school reached out to him and his family. Many wanted to protect and befriend the child.
Also, Bezzant’s viral words allowed Jackson to connect with two other children suffering from Treacher Collins syndrome.
NIH.gov says Treacher Collins “is a condition that affects the development of bones and other tissues of the face. The signs and symptoms of this disorder vary greatly, ranging from almost unnoticeable to severe. Most affected individuals have underdeveloped facial bones, particularly the cheek bones, and a very small jaw and chin (micrognathia). Some people with this condition are also born with an opening in the roof of the mouth called a cleft palate.”
