A family from Chalfont is working to raise awareness about a rare syndrome affecting their son, which has left his face paralyzed, writes Stephanie Stahl for CBS News Philadelphia.
Jackson Roberts is a brave four-year-old who was diagnosed with Moebius syndrome, which affects the nerves in the face.
“It’s a neurological disorder. It’s the paralysis of the face,” said his mother, Trish Roberts. “People with Moebius syndrome have difficulty blinking, sucking, swallowing, breathing, eating, and even speaking.”
Doctors weren’t sure if Jackson would be able to talk or walk because of the syndrome.
“We didn’t even know if we were ever bringing him home. And here we are, almost five years into Jackson’s journey, and we believe and we’ve learned that miracles do happen and to keep the faith and don’t let a diagnosis define who you are,” she said.
Jackson has defied the odds thanks to years of occupational and physical therapy, and he now loves to dance and sing with his big sister.
It’s still unclear what causes Moebius syndrome, which affects 1 in 4 million individuals.
The Roberts are hoping to continue to raise awareness and promote further research into the disorder.
Learn more about how the Roberts family in Chalfont is trying to raise awareness about Moebius syndrome at CBS News Philadelphia.
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