Xtraordinary Individuals

What makes Teena Xtraordinary to you?

She’s so happy.

Special Facts

• She loves her bottle and rice cereal

How has the NFXF helped you or your family?

So much research.

What makes Mila and Alex Xtraordinary to you?

Mila (3) and Alex (1) fill every day with so much fun, love, and happiness. Alex has been smiling since he entered the world, and his soul is pure kindness. Mila has the most infectious laugh, she finds fun and devilment in everything she does.

They both brighten our days beyond measure, and we are so lucky they chose us to be their parents. We are so proud of them, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for them. One thing we know for sure is that they will continue to make the world a brighter, happier, and loving place to be.

Special Facts

• Mila loves insects, climbing, swings, and books
• Alex loves cuddles, animals, ball games, and tickles

What makes Giovanni Xtraordinary to you?

He loves unconditionally, is very genuine, and you know where you stand. He is empathetic and loves traveling and hotels. His attention to detail is unbelievable. Loves his vacations, road trips, and friends.

Special Facts

• He loves his Hot Cheetos and Hot Wings, along with Lightning McQueen

How has the NFXF helped you or your family?

I have, as a parent, become aware of how it may affect different areas of their lives and the resources available as well. And continue learning

What makes Zeke Xtraordinary to you?

Zeke embodies a different kind of strength. ❤️ His journey reminds us that strength doesn’t always look like independence, reaching milestones on a typical timeline, or doing things the way the world expects. Sometimes, strength looks like growing at your own pace, finding joy in the little things, and showing up in a world that wasn’t always designed for you.

Zeke is expanding our understanding of what a meaningful, beautiful life looks like and reminding us that progress doesn’t have to look typical to be extraordinary. He doesn’t have to overcome his disability to be remarkable. He is extraordinary exactly as he is, and the world is better for having him in it.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 (:

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.