In today’s society, social media has become the dominant means of communication for most people. It is now commonplace for individuals to share pictures of their children, allowing friends and family to cherish these precious moments. Natasha, a young mother navigating the challenges of motherhood, also uses social media in a similar manner. However, she faces a striking contrast in the comments her pictures receive and how her child is treated. Despite this, Natasha has some important messages to share.
Natasha, like many young mothers, takes joy in sharing pictures of her one-year-old son, Raedyn, online. But unlike most mothers, she endures relentless online bullying because of her son’s appearance. Every time she posts videos of herself with Raedyn on the popular social media platform TikTok, she is bombarded with dozens, if not hundreds, of comments requesting her to stop sharing pictures or videos of her son. Nevertheless, Natasha refuses to succumb to the negativity and has a powerful message for her detractors: “I will not stop… Just because he looks different doesn’t mean he is any less—he is perfect.”
Natasha finds it difficult to cope with the countless messages or comments that inquire, “What’s wrong with your child? Why does your child look like that?” As if the trolls on the internet weren’t enough, Natasha also faces hurtful comments from people in real life. Strangers approach her with impolite questions such as, “What’s wrong with your child?” or “Why does your child look like that?” Natasha rightfully asserts, “That’s not how you talk to a human being.”
The constant barrage of inquiries has made it challenging for Natasha to be in public. She shares, “It’s exhausting to explain my son’s health problems over and over.” She struggles to comprehend the immense curiosity surrounding her son solely due to his appearance. She emphasizes, “He lives a life like every other child… Does he look different? Absolutely—but that doesn’t diminish his worth.” Natasha passionately adds, “He deserves a fulfilling life, he deserves acceptance. I will fight for that until my last breath.”
She finds it disheartening when people express their concern, especially when she is going about her day and suddenly confronted by someone who is “curious” and wants answers. Natasha implores, “What people need to understand is that I am just a mother, and my son is just a baby… Our lives don’t revolve around his diagnosis.” The exhausted young mother further shares, “My son may appear different, but that doesn’t mean he exists solely to teach the world a lesson. It takes a toll on me mentally and emotionally to repeatedly explain his health issues.”
“We are a regular family,” she states emphatically. “I pray for a world that accepts disabled individuals without judgment based on their appearance or limitations.” Natasha finds it disheartening that, even in this modern era, people are quick to judge those who differ from them in any way. She holds onto hope that kindness and acceptance will prevail.
Let us extend our love and support to Natasha and young Raedyn. Please join us in sending them your well wishes as we stand with them in solidarity.
