Dad Writes Viral Post After Son is Bullied at School: 'Educate Your Children About Special Needs'
An Idaho father's Facebook
post about his 7-year-old son being bullied has gone viral after he asked people to educate
their children about special needs and compassion.
Dan Bezzant said his son,
Jackson, has experienced a variety of bullying, from children throwing rocks at
him, to others making hurtful comments about his appearance.
Jackson has Treacher
Collins syndrome, a rare condition that affects the development of bones and
facial tissues.
He is nearly deaf and the
condition has also affected his eyesight. He has undergone major surgery
already and will eventually need to have several more.
Most recently, Bezzant was
devastated when he found out kids at school were calling Jackson “ugly” and a
“freak” during breakfast. His ex-wife called him last week to tell him about
the incident.
“When I was told about it,
I was just in my car sobbing in the driveway,” Bezzant told InsideEdition.com.
Bezzant took to
Facebook on Thursday to talk about the incident.
“My heart is in pieces right
now…my soul feels like it’s ripping from my chest…this beautiful young man my
son Jackson has to endure a constant barrage of derogatory comments and
ignorance like I’ve never witnessed,” Bezzant wrote.
He went on to say that his
son has been teased on a regular basis and has even talked about suicide.
“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," Bezzant continued.
The post has been shared
nearly 14,000 times. Although Jackson doesn’t know about the status, it is
already making a difference in his life.
Parents and kids in the
community have already made pledges to keep their eye out for Jackson and make
sure he’s okay.
“I was just making a plea
to my friends and family and asking them to spread the message of love and
understanding for all,” Bezzant wrote. “The message isn’t just for
Jackson, it’s for all kids who are experience bullying.”
The dad said he has received
so much love and support from people since he posted the status.
Bezzant also said he’s
learned about two other children in East Idaho with Treacher Collins syndrome,
and they plan to meet for a playgroup and lunch soon.
Bezzant set up a P.O. box
for people wanting to send Jackson cards.
“I am receiving constant
messages of people sending love and prayers for Jackson. All I am asking is
that you teach your children about bullying and making sure that kids
understand that people are built differently and God loves us all,” Bezzant
said. “I hope it brings awareness to the topic.”
Source: Insideedition
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