Xtraordinary Individuals

Share your story! Who is an Xtraordinary Individual in your life? It could be a teacher, sibling, or someone living with Fragile X. We share these stories on social media to inspire the community and help raise awareness for Fragile X. There are Xtraordinary Individuals everywhere.

You can upload a photo, video, or both. Check out all the videos on our YouTube channel.

Nominate Your Xtraordinary Individual

Xtraordinary Stories

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Zyon was nominated by his mother, Melissa Cruz

What makes Zyon Xtraordinary to you?

My son is amazing … as I recently learned he has a rare mutation of Fragile x, which caused him to have autism traits … it’s been more of a learning experience for both my son and me, but he has been one amazing teacher and tour guide thru this all … he smiles every day with no fear in his heart.

Special Facts

  • He’s an old soul (when it comes to music and TV shows)
  • Food is love
  • He loves hugs and kisses
Mr. Bremer was nominated by his grandmother, Janet Bremer

What makes Mr. Bremer Xtraordinary to you?

He is a very kind and loving young man. He has progressed way more than we expected. Everyone who meets him loves him.

Special Facts

  • He loves to play cards, especially Go Fish and Uno.
  • He LOVES the Chicago Cubs and can understand the game.
  • The Bears are becoming a favorite team.
  • He goes to a Social Club several times a week where he bowls, cooks, and other activities.

How has the NFXF helped you or your family?

The Foundation has been important because of the information available.

Michael was nominated by his mother, Lena Deal

What makes Michael Xtraordinary to you?

He is improving in all his activities, works hard at McDonald’s, likes his friends, and sees life with happiness. Always looking for ways to help his friends and in the house.

Special Facts

  • His favorite food is Subway
  • Favorite sport is bowling
  • Favorite pet is Merlina.

How has the NFXF helped Michael or your family?

Well, in the beginning of the diagnosis, the information on the website is really good.

Watch a Short of Michael
Curran was nominated by his father, David Browne

What makes Curran Xtraordinary to you?

Curran is the most down-to-earth and grounded person I know. He loves life and laughter, and always sees the best in people and situations. His humor is contagious, and he has grown into such a fine young gentleman.

Special Facts

  • He works 25 hours a week at his local Goodwill Industries as a donations greeter.
  • He loves to be outside on his quad or boats.
  • He has such a love of life and family.
Knox was nominated by his mother, Dana Burnette

What makes Knox Xtraordinary to you?

The ways that Knox adapts to life is xtraordinary. He is non-speaking currently but communicates so much through his AAC device, sign language, body language, etc.

Special Facts

  • Knox has an obvious proclivity for music.
  • A wonderful sense of humor & silliness.
  • Deeply sensitive to his surroundings.
  • He’s a beautiful human being.

How has the NFXF helped you or Knox?

By raising awareness and helping bring our community together so we feel seen and supported (:

Watch a Short of Knox
Ayzal was nominated by his mother, Alfia Maha

What makes Ayzal Xtraordinary to you?

My son was diagnosed with Fragile X syndrome full mutation, and from the moment I learned what that meant, he began teaching me things no classroom ever could. He experiences the world with an intensity and sensitivity that most people never access — he feels joy deeply, he loves completely, and he faces challenges with a quiet persistence that humbles me every day.

As his mother and a Fragile X premutation carrier myself, I have walked this journey from both sides as someone whose own genetics are part of this story, and as a caregiver navigating a system that rarely has resources for immigrant families like ours. We came from Bangladesh. We did not know anyone else who had heard of Fragile X. We found NFXF, and for the first time we did not feel alone.

My son is extraordinary not despite his diagnosis but because of who he is fully, completely, and on his own terms.

Special Facts

  • He loves to take a bath
  • He loves to play with water
  • He loves moving cars and also loves to ride in them
  • Most importantly, he loves to cuddle me and kiss me to show his love

How has the NFXF helped you?

NFXF gave us knowledge when we had none, community when we felt isolated, and hope when the diagnosis felt overwhelming. As a Bangladeshi immigrant family, finding resources that helped us understand and navigate Fragile X in an unfamiliar country was life-changing. NFXF has been our anchor.

Alfia Maha was nominated by herself

What makes Alfia Xtraordinary to you?

When my son was diagnosed, I did not just grieve. I picked up my needle and thread. As a textile artist trained in the centuries-old Bengali folk tradition of Nakshi Kantha embroidery, I have spent my career making invisible experiences visible through art. After his diagnosis, I turned that practice toward the experience of Fragile X caregiving — the exhaustion, the love, the isolation, and the fierce quiet strength that defines life as a caregiver.

My ongoing body of work, Complexity of Motherhood, uses textile and mixed media art to give visual language to what immigrant caregivers of children with rare genetic conditions feel but rarely have space to express. This work has been exhibited in the United States, permanently acquired by a university museum, and accepted into the College Art Association’s annual conference as a scholarly paper.

As a premutation carrier, I also carry this story in my own body. I know what it means to receive a genetic diagnosis that changes how you understand your past and your future. I want other immigrant families — especially those from South Asian communities where Fragile X is almost completely unknown — to know that they are not alone, that their story matters, and that art can be a form of healing.

Special Facts

  • I love making art and creating crafts, which gives me pleasure
  • I love singing and dancing
  • I spend time with my friends and family, which calms me down

How has the NFXF helped you?

NFXF gave me the knowledge to understand what was happening in my own genetics and my son’s diagnosis. For an immigrant family navigating an unfamiliar healthcare system in a new country, having a trusted, comprehensive resource like NFXF has been invaluable. NFXF showed me that there is a whole community of people who understand this journey, and that has made all the difference

Miles was nominated by his mother, Alexandra German

What makes Miles Xtraordinary to you?

Miles delights in life’s simple pleasures and inspires the same fun-loving attitude in all those who come to know him. His progress is measured by perseverance, not comparison. Though his milestones may look different or be achieved on a slightly different timeline, every skill he gains is built on resilience and effort. Miles is forging his own path, and constantly changing the hearts and minds of those around him. He has a wonderful team of family, friends, and practitioners around him who believe deeply in his potential. We love our sweet Miles more than words can say. His father and I are beyond proud of him and all he’s achieved in his almost-two years of life.

Special Facts

  • Miles’ favorite food is salmon 🍣
  • His favorite song is Barney’s “If All the Raindrops” 🦖
  • And his favorite activity is swimming 🏊‍♂️

How has the NFXF helped you?

NFXF made the early days of diagnosis seem a lot less daunting and lonely, and has made it possible through some reimbursement benefits for us to travel to out-of-state clinics to participate in specialized research.

Watch a Short of Miles
Diego was nominated by his mother, Gabriela Diaz-Padron

What makes Diego Xtraordinary to you?

Diego is the sweetest, most loving little boy. His smile lights up any room. He is always happy. He works hard and shines bright every day!

Zac was nominated by his mother, Sheri Dickerson

What makes Zac Xtraordinary to you?

Zac has a contagious laugh, and his smile can brighten any room. He makes people around him happy. He loves everyone, especially Jesus! Even when things are hard, he keeps trying until he accomplishes it. He is the most loyal, loving, and kind person. He remembers and hears everything. He reminds me of things like stopping by the pharmacy, what I need at the store, and when I miss my turn. lol! I am so blessed God chose me to be his mom!

Special Facts

  • Zac has great imitative skills and loves to make people laugh.
  • Loves to ride horses, travel, and sing gospel music!

How has the NFXF helped you?

The NFXF has given me (us) a wealth of knowledge and resources to see that we are in touch with the latest treatments, doctors, and to answer any questions we may have.