6-Year-Old in Wheelchair Surprises Family by Walking at Graduation, Leaving Mom in Tears (Exclusive)
Finley "Finn" Williamson was diagnosed with Noonan syndrome at just 2 months old
He uses a G-tube for all of his nutrition, relies on a wheelchair or walker to get around and wears AFO braces for stability
Despite his disability, last year Finn, 6 at the time, brought his family to tears when he stood up to walk at his kindergarten graduationOne young boy is showing the world that no barrier is too big to break.
Last May, 6-year-old Finley "Finn" Williamson brought his family to tears when he stood up to accept his kindergarten diploma. For the Colorado Springs, Colo., native, it was a moment years in the making.
Diagnosed with Noonan syndrome (SHOC2 variant) at just 2 months old, Finn lives with a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the SHOC2 gene, which affects his mobility and overall development. He uses a G-tube for all of his nutrition, relies on a wheelchair or walker to get around, wears AFO braces for stability and needs glasses to help with his vision.
"His variant is new and not well studied," says his mom, Mackenzie Williamson, in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. "It affects his heart so we hope his heart stays stable and he can live a long life. He might always need mobility support and eating support, but we are not sure."
Still, nothing slows him down.
'He loves trucks, video games, superhero movies, and swinging at recess — his school even has a special swing just for him,' Mackenzie, who also has two other children, adds.
'He is so kind and thoughtful,' she adds. 'He's very cautious and empathetic about others' feelings. If other kids are mean to him, he always gives them the benefit of the doubt and says, 'They might be having a hard day.' '
Since his diagnosis, Finn, now 7, has been in physical therapy — starting in the NICU. In total, he's completed nearly 400 intensive sessions, all building up to that unforgettable moment on stage.
But for Mackenzie, 30, the moment came as a complete surprise.
'I thought he was going to wheel across, but at the last minute, he called his dad over and told him he wanted to walk,' she recalls. 'I was shocked!'
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'My heart was bursting with joy," the mom adds. "I managed to say, 'Good job, buddy,' through the tears, but I was just in awe watching him. He was so proud of himself and loved that his classmates cheered him on. His school has been amazing to him!'
With all the negativity she often sees online, Mackenzie wanted to share a little joy.
After some back and forth, she recently decided to post the video to TikTok. Her hope was to inspire others and show that kids with different conditions deserve to be recognized and celebrated.
"He is not 'less than' because of his diagnosis. He is incredible and has a unique diagnosis," the mom says.
Then, she watched the video gain traction. Overnight, it racked up more than 250,000 views and thousands of comments.
"It was amazing," Mackenzie says. "We were reading the comments together and he was shocked at all of the countries people were cheering him on from!"
"One mom recently had her son diagnosed with a rare genetic condition and felt overwhelmed," she adds. "We chatted a bit, and I told her how I was able to learn and grow over the years. It is so nice to be there for other people who are in similar situations. We relied on other, more experienced families when we were first diagnosed as well."
Since posting the video, Mackenzie says it has encouraged Finn in so many ways. And while the family doesn't know exactly where this will lead, they hope to continue advocating for families of children with varying needs.
"Finn's younger sister, Emma, is only a year younger than him but has taken on the role of helper and cheerleader so well," Mackenzie says. "She was the best thing we could have done for him."
"I hope all varieties of people are cheered on ... no matter the disability or circumstance," the mom adds. "Everyone has their own timing and path, but we are all worthy."
Read the original article on People
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