Jackson Bezzant, 7, was eating his breakfast at school when three older boys approached him and began taunting and teasing him. They called him names like "monster" and "ugly" as Jackson sat there, helpless.
Thankfully, a teacher's aide took notice of the situation and stopped the cruel bullying before it escalated any further.
But the story was enough to bring his worried dad, Dan, to tears.
You see, Jackson was born with Treacher Collins syndrome, a rare condition that affects the development of bones and facial tissues. Jackson is nearly deaf and has already undergone one surgery to rebuild his eye socket.
Because of his appearance, Dan has witnessed his kindhearted son become the victim of bullying — at the hands of people of all ages.
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“One time, a woman walked past us, and we could hear her say, ‘Did you see that little boy's face?’" he recounts.
After hearing what happened to Jackson at school, Dan decided to take a stand. But he never expected his Facebook post would create such a reaction like this.
Scroll down to see why Dan's post is going viral…
This is Jackson Bezzant, and he's about to turn 8 years old.
Jackson was born with Treacher Collins syndrome, a rare condition that causes improper development of bones and facial tissues. His hearing and vision are severely impaired, and he relies on hearing aids.
The first-grader from Rigby, Idaho, will have to undergo many procedures throughout his life.
Recently, Jackson' father, Dan, received news that left him heartbroken to the point of tears.
One morning at school, Jackson was eating in the cafeteria when several older boys started bullying him. They called him "monster" among other horrible names.
Unfortunately, things like this happen a lot, and it's often adults who can be the most cruel.
"One time a woman walked past us, and we could hear her say, ‘Did you see that little boy's face?’ If she's saying things like that, what are her children saying?" Dan recalls.
Dan decided enough was enough. He took to Facebook after the incident at school with a powerful and frightening public post:
My heart is in pieces right now and my soul feels like its ripping from my chest and this beautiful young man my son Jackson has to endure a constant barrage of derogatory comments and ignorance like Ive 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 and 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.
Anyway, I could go on … but please educate your children.
Please share this. This shouldn't be happening and to anyone.
Dan never expected his Facebook post to spread like wildfire, but that's exactly what happened.
Now, other kids at Jackson's school are reaching out to him and his family, wanting to befriend and protect him.
But Dan wants readers to know he doesn't blame Jackson's teachers or the school. Instead, he says the responsibility of other parents is to teach their children about kindness and acceptance.
“I want parents to see my post and feel my heartbreak," he says. "Please educate your children and let them know that bullying is not OK."
Dan says his Facebook post has also connected him and Jackson to two other kids in their area also living with Treacher Collins syndrome… and they're all planning to meet for a playdate!
Dan set up a PO box for those who'd like to send Jackson cards of well wishes… and it's already filling up.
Bravo to Dan for speaking up against the bullying epidemic. Please SHARE his and Jackson's inspiring and powerful story with your friends on Facebook.
