Mom Whose Son With Rare Disorder Can’t Smile Hopes to Raise Him With ‘Confidence and Kindness’

'I stay patient. All of these struggles are temporary.'

Eliza Moody with her son, Tobias Lugo, who was born with Moebius syndrome. Courtesy of Daliela Photography via Eliza Moody

The mother of a little boy with a rare disorder that renders him unable to smile wants the world to see his inner spark. Her son, she says, is happy, energetic, and the funniest kid she’s ever met.

Today, Tobias Lugo is 3 years old, and mom Eliza Moody of Yuma, Arizona, is an awareness champion for both her son and his community. Tobias was born with Moebius syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that affects cranial facial nerves.