Miriam

Miriam is a cheery, articulate young girl with Moebius. She loves being in school and hanging out with her friends. She has cognitive delays and demonstrates some mild autistic characteristics but attends a special program at the same school as her twin sister who is affected by Moebius syndrome.

While Moebius syndrome is a big part of Miriam’s life since it is her appearance, it does not define who she is. It prevents her from showing her emotions with her face, but Miriam experiences and expresses the whole range of feelings and makes sure everyone knows exactly how she feels and what she thinks.

Miriam is a big sports fan and enjoys watching hockey and baseball (Go Capitals and Nationals!). She also plays ice hockey with other children with special needs.

~Jacob, Miriam’s Dad

Moebius Syndrome
Moebius Syndrome is a rare neurological disorder characterized by weakness or paralysis of multiple cranial nerves, most of the 6th and 7th nerves. Other cranial nerves are sometimes affected. The disorder is present at birth. If the 7th nerve is involved, the individual with Moebius Syndrome is unable to smile, frown, pucker the lips, raise the eyebrows, or close the eyelids. If the 7th nerve is affected, the eye cannot turn outward past the midline. Other abnormalities include underdevelopment of the pectoral muscles and defects of the limbs. Moebius Syndrome is not progressive. Thee exact cause is unknown. It appears to occur randomly for unknown reasons in most cases; however, some cases run in families suggesting that there may be a genetic component.

Artist: Lori Jeremiah