Jackson Bezzant is a typical elementary-aged child. He’s a cheerful young man who enjoys fishing, being outside, and spending time with his family.
Jackson only differs from typical kids in that he was born with a disease called Treacher Collins syndrome. It has an impact on the growth of facial tissue and bones.
In Jackson’s situation, that means he has had to have surgery to reconstruct his eye socket and is almost completely deaf.
Additionally, it has caused him to experience constant bullying at school from kids and even some adults.
When he found out that his son had been called a “monster” at school, his father in Idaho felt “destroyed.”
After that, the upset father ultimately made the decision that enough was enough and went on a mission to teach his boy’s abusers a lesson.
Dan, Jackson’s father, has often seen this bullying.
He remembers hearing a woman exclaim, “Did you see that little boy’s face?” as she passed them while they were strolling down the street with his son.
Dan generally maintained his composure and focused all of his attention on keeping his son happy and grounded, which is something that any parent who witnesses their child being tormented would find difficult to do.
However, a recent event at school forced Dan to speak up because he was no longer able to remain silent.
Three older boys approached Jackson Bezzant as he was eating breakfast in the school cafeteria.
They began making fun of the young youngster, calling him “ugly” and a “monster”. Jackson endured the brutal taunting while sitting there, helpless, until a teacher’s assistant saw and intervened to stop it before it became worse.
Dan was moved to tears when he heard the tale, but the situation was far from ended.
Jackson had undoubtedly been bullied before, but Dan was determined to make this the last instance.
Dan was going to send a clear message to all of his son’s abusers: enough was enough.
He rushed to Facebook to make an emotional message denouncing the bullies because he was tired of constantly witnessing his young son being bullied, mocked, and humiliated.
Dan wrote: “My heart is in pieces right now and my soul feels like its ripping from my chest,” Dan began, according to People Magazine.
”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.
Dan doesn’t blame them and he doesn’t want others to either, despite the fact that some may blame the school or the teachers for the bullying Jackson had to endure.
Instead, he wants to place the blame where it belongs—on the parents who failed to instill kindness, compassion, and acceptance in their kids.
“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”, Dan said.
Jackson was born with Treacher Collins syndrome, hence his appearance frequently drew criticism.
The uncommon disorder impairs the growth of facial tissues and bones, leading to inappropriate development and obvious deformities.
Tragically, he will require a lot more surgeries over the course of his life.
Jackson’s schoolchildren contacted Dan and his family after reading his message in an effort to make friends with and look out for the youngster.
Even Jackson was able to make a connection with two nearby children who share the Treacher Collins syndrome thanks to Dan’s moving words.
They’re going to get together now to have a playdate.
Dan set up a PO box for people to mail Jackson letters or cards after being overwhelmed by the support, and the box has been rapidly filling up ever since!
Reading Dan’s fervent Facebook plea and learning of Jackson’s abuse at the hands of other kids broke my heart. Bullying should not be tolerated by ANYONE.
Many bullying incidents are certainly unintended; kids will sometimes comment on what they see without thinking about the implications or how they might make others feel.
But as Dan showed, a little knowledge can put a stop to a lot of suffering.
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