Poor bullied teen boy with rare genetic condition forms a loving bond with stranger.

Having a disability should not be a stumbling block in finding true friends who will love and care for you unconditionally. But in finding a friend, it can be a huge prospect especially for kids with disabilities. Some kids might view them as different people but in actual sense we are the same. We are in dire need of care, love and attention from other people.

Austin Niehus, a teen boy from Colorado had a serious problem when it came to blending with his teen peers. He is suffering from a rare genetic condition called ‘Goldenhar Syndrome’. He might have unconditional support and love from his family, but he is also desperately dying to meet and make friends with kids who are his mates. This has been an issue for him since he was little, but things changed overnight when a visitor came to their snowy Colorado home.

Goldenhar Syndrome can also be called as Oculo-Auriculo-Vertebral (OAV) syndrome, is a very uncommon congenital illness that affects at least 2 in every million children worldwide. This condition is characterized by an incomplete development of some particular body parts like the nose, soft palate, lip, mandible and ears. This can also lead to a craniofacial birth defect of the head and face.

In general, Goldenhar syndrome can lead to a great impact on a person’s physical appearance. Due to this, it became a huge issue for 15-year old Austin and family. He has unique appearance that has led him to become the catalyst being bullied at an early age. He found it difficult to make friends at school since when he is constantly taunted and teased because of his physical appearance.

Even though he is being showered with love and care by his family, Austin also wishes to meet others who are suffering form his condition too. But due to his condition being rare one, his chances of meeting another person with it are generally slim. However everything concerning him changed for him on that actual day. He will eventually run upon a female who shares his medical condition.

A video which surfaced showing Austin meeting with his new found friend Elena Schefer went viral. Their story was on TLC and became an inspiring video to others on YouTube. Austin is excited as he peers out through his window. Though its snowy and cold outside, he is aware that a surprise will pull by their front door soon. The car came to a halt and Elena stepped out and in the blink of an eye gave Austin a hug. They immediately connected and introduced to each other.

Elena’s visit to Austin was not a coincidence. She raised money to be able to sell heart in bottle products to raise money to visit her other rare mate suffering from their rare condition. Aside that, she longed to travel around the world and educate people concerning how their situation can be managed. Now there are two in a million teenagers, Elena and Austin fighting against the bullying of teens across the globe.