Zachary

Zachary is such a happy little boy, a joy for all that know him. He has had a lot of struggles in his short life, but he doesn't let that stop him. He was diagnosed with Aarskog syndrome shortly after birth.

He greatly enjoys playing with his older siblings. He likes to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. He has a major obsession with school buses and is in love with trains. Loud noises and lights make him happy; he is a little sensory seeker. He loves to be outside and spends time chasing the kitty around. To us, he is the perfect little guy and we could not be more proud of him.

~Patricia, Zachary’s Mom

Aarskog Syndrome

Aarskog syndrome is an extremely rare genetic disorder marked by stunted growth that may not become obvious until the child is about three years of age, broad facial abnormalities, musculoskeletal and genital anomalies, and mild intellectual disability.

Aarskog syndrome primarily affects males who exhibit a characteristic set of facial, skeletal, and genital abnormalities. In some cases, female carriers may develop a mild form of the disorder. Symptoms may vary from case to case. Males with Aarskog syndrome often have a rounded face with a broad forehead. Additional characteristic facial features include widely spaced eyes, drooping of the eyelids, downwardly slanting eyelid folds, a small nose with nostrils that are flared forward, an underdeveloped upper jawbone, and a widow’s peak. Affected individuals may also have an abnormally long groove in the upper lip and a broad nasal bridge.

Artist: Kelliann Jarasitis