Xtraordinary Individuals

We asked the Fragile X community to tell us about someone Xtraordinary in their lives.

We heard from parents, professionals, friends, co-workers, grandparents, employers, cousins, doctors, and mentors, who told us about Xtraordinary teachers, spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, babysitters, employees, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, doctors, occupational therapists, support professionals, patients, and siblings. We are thrilled and delighted they shared with us so we can share with you, and help raise awareness about Fragile X and the lives it touches.

To nominate your Xtraordinary Individual, open the nomination form here .

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Gael Centellas

Gael Centellas was nominated by his mom, Kelly Quaye

What makes Gael Xtraordinary to you?

Our family relocated overseas a year ago — all that was familiar became distant and very faraway, which is very stressful for people with Fragile X who rely on consistency and routine. During this past year, Gael has adjusted to a new country, new home, new school, new peers … new everything, but he is thriving!

Now surrounded by extended family and a much slower pace of life, we see him doing things that were beyond challenging or near impossible before. He has become more comfortable in the community, he is making connections with peers, and attending busy sporting events. We are so proud of how Xtraordinary he is, and make sure to tell him that every night before he goes to sleep.

—Kelly Quaye

Collage with a young man, Moses Cisneros, at the airport, playing the drums, with Mickey Mouse, and with Goofy.
Moses Cisneros

Moses Cisneros was nominated by his dad, also Moses Cisneros

What makes Moses Xtraordinary to you?

Moses is such a happy and amazing kid. He will brighten up your day any day. He loves worship music and playing the drums. He has recently started to play the drums at church. He loves traveling and is always down for an adventure. He has overcome so many obstacles in life. He is one of a kind!

—Moses Cisneros

A young boy, Carter, standing on a stairway landing indoors and wearing tennis shoes, dark pants, a white t-shirt, gray jacket, and a big smile.
Carter

Carter was nominated by his mom, Marcella Almeida

What makes Carter Xtraordinary to you?

Carter is an amazing little boy. He can brighten up anyone’s day with just a smile. Even with all the challenges he faces he always wakes up happy and carefree. Anyone who is involved in his life sees a new perspective for happiness.

—Marcella Almeida

X logo placeholder for nomination with no image.
Joshua Frank

Joshua Frank was nominated by his sister Marcia Schouten

What makes Joshua Xtraordinary to you?

Josh learned how to golf and still does to this day with my father. He’s pretty good, has fairly good control, and is aware of the course.

—Marcia Schouten

A young girl, Alannah, standing with very good posture on a walkway, and wearing a pink t-shirt, denim shorts, and pink shoes.
Alannah

Alannah was nominated by her mom, Brid Quinn

What makes Alannah Xtraordinary to you?

Alannah is our beautiful 9-year-old daughter who came into our life like a bolt of lightning and hasn’t stopped lighting up our lives since. She’s funny & caring, loves music and dance. She lights up our family everyday with her amazing smile. She’s loved by everyone who meets her and especially her family.

—Brid Quinn

A young boy, Noah, sitting on his bed and playing air drums.
Noah

Noah was nominated by his mom, Andrea Miller

What makes Noah Xtraordinary to you?

Noah is amazingly talented, empathetic, encouraging, and goofy.

—Andrea Miller

A young man, Andrew Frech, wearing a shirt and tie, sitting on a couch next to his dog.
Andrew Frech

Andrew Frech was nominated by his grandmother, Rita Morley

What makes Andrew Xtraordinary to you?

Andrew is my terrific soon-to-be 19-year-old grandson. He’s a supportive brother to Jason who also has FragileX. He has a great attitude toward every task he takes on. He perseveres through difficulties. He just started a Transitional Living Program↗ and enjoys interacting with his peers. Andrew’s favorite thing is to talk about sports teams and athletes with anyone who will listen. He is kind and patient and I especially love his winning smile.

—Rita Morley

A young boy, Seth Newman, sitting in a carseat with his seatbelt on.
Seth Newman

Seth Newman was nominated by his mom, Taniele Newman

What makes Seth Xtraordinary to you?

Seth was diagnosed with Fragile X syndrome at 3 years old. What makes him Xtraordinary is his passion for adventure and his curiosity. He is tenacious but loving. He loves being outdoors exploring and loves car rides. He is the most affectionate boy ever. We love him so much for everything that he is and will be!

—Taniele Newman

Nathan Hesling outdoors wearing jeans, a sweatshirt, and baseball cap, holding a fish he just caught.
Nathan Hesling

Nathan Hesling was nominated by his mom, Joyce Hesling

What makes Nathan Xtraordinary to you?

Nathan loves to fish, go to the gym, and ride his bike to my work to give hugs to my coworkers. He has the best bear hugs and is good at making people feel special. He enjoys his family and hanging with his dog. He is a great help around the house. Nate is a blessing to all who know him❣️

—Joyce Hesling

Orion as a baby with his mother, and as a young adult sitting cross-legged in the sunshine.
Orion

Orion was nominated by his mom, Joyce Hesling

What makes Orion Xtraordinary to you?

Orion is a ray of sunshine. His smile is infectious and he lights up a room with his personality. He greets his friends and caregivers with a big hug, unconditional love, and the best attitude. He has the ability to turn anyone’s day from bad to great and makes everyone feel important and loved. He may even serenade you with some “Old Time Rock and Roll.” He is bigger than life.

—Joyce Hesling

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