Be Loud

One of the most significant things that I took from the conference this weekend is the need to raise awareness for Moebius Syndrome.  The goal is acceptance, communication and freedom for those affected with Moebius Syndrome, not fear, self-hatred or isolation.

The guest speaker at the end of the conference was Rick Guidotti, a fashion photographer who stepped outside of the bubble of stereotypical beauty because he saw the beauty in those with differences.  Quite the artist.

For some really inspirational images of different beauty visit http://www.positiveexposure.org/.

So, wherever you can, whenever you can, talk to people about Moebius Syndrome.  Awareness that there is such a thing will change the way people see everyone with facial differences. 

One of the stories given at the conference was of a sample lady at the mall who offered her product except the person with Moebius.  In fact, she didn't even look at them, despite them walking by several times.

In recent years, I have seen myself responding differently to people with all kinds of differences and disabilities.  Why?  Because all anyone wants is to be loved and accepted, and a smile while you look directly into that persons eyes means you have told them they are worth it.

There's probably nothing better that you can do to help Emma and others like her, than to spread the word that different is not wrong.