Do you believe you’re destined to meet the people you encounter?

You may very well change your mind when you meet Madden and Moon two best friends with matching genetic conditions.

Meet Madden.

He was born with a bilateral cleft-lip and a complete Heterochromia iridium (we’ll explain that later).

Madden has previously been a viral sensation after he did an Anti-Bullying Awareness video for threetwoFUN.

He tells viewers that people who are different have already had it hard enough, and that being mean to them only makes it worse. He says that the “most unlovable people need love the most.”

It’s no surprise, then, that the sweet boy gravitated toward a cat who has genetic conditions identical to his own.

His mother, Christina, told Love What Matters,

“Last week, a friend posted an image of the cat in our cleft moms group. We knew immediately that this kitty was meant to be part of our family. Funny how a pet can make you feel less alone.”

Christina and her family got some help from friends and made the trip from Minnesota to Oklahoma to pick up Moon. Not a short trip by any means but when you find your best friend, you’re willing to go anywhere for them.

https://www.facebook.com/christinavhumphreys/posts/1994676957213354

“We’re usually not spontaneous people, but we knew that we were meant to love this kitty. Moon, the kitty, and Madden are the perfect companions for each other. In a word full of bullies and hateful words, we will choose to chase love. I think it’s safe to say that this kitty is love, and was certainly meant to be part of our journey and Madden’s journey,” Christina continued.

So what is bilateral cleft-lip and complete Heterochromia iridium?

Glad you asked!

According to the Cleft Lip and Palate Association, when babies develop in utero different parts develop at different stages. Ideally, those parts all come together perfectly.

That doesn’t aways happen.

When it doesn’t happen, the baby is left with a cleft lip and palate. It is the most common craniofacial abnormality a baby can be born with. It’s also commonly found in female cats, and a higher percentage of purebred cats tend to be born with cleft palates as well. While surgery can help both humans and cats, there is no cure for a cleft palate and lip.

What about Heterochromia iridium?

There’s two types of Heterochromia iridium, a complete and a partial. Heterochromia iridium is when either part of or the whole iris is a different color from the other, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

People are generally born with the two colored eyes and have no problems with their eyesight at all. Since there’s generally no eyesight problems (if there are it’s an underlying issue) then it’s business as usual!

In Madden’s own words, if you see someone different than yourself, don’t be a “poophead”. Treat everyone with kindness because you never know what they are experiencing.

Watch Madden’s message below, and you can follow Madden and Moon’s journey on Instagram.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: threetwoFUN, Love What Matters, Animal Channel, Christina Humphreys, Pet Health Network, American Academy of Ophthalmology