Teen with Down Syndrome graduates alongside two 'big brothers' who have had her back since age 5
Kevin Moore and Dena Fabian-Moore have an amazing daughter named Madison who was born with Down Syndrome. Knowing full well there would be possible challenges for them in terms of education, the couple refused to give up and did everything for Madison to have an enjoyable experience in all her years of school.
The first test was right when Madison was about to enter kindergarten. Their school district wasn’t equipped enough to support integration but Kevin and Dena decided to stick with their decision to introduce Madison to a traditional classroom setup.
19 YEARS OLD! Happy Birthday “Loralai”. We love you! pic.twitter.com/I2dj6v590o
— Kevin Moore (@t__bird1) June 24, 2021
It all turned out for the best because that’s how Madison met two of her best friends, Pryce Jackson and Kyran English.
According to Kevin, the two boys have always been protective of Madison since they were five years old.
They made sure she was never alone.
The two would keep her company during lunch, hold her hand whenever she needed support, and even walk home with her after school.
Cap and gown came in. pic.twitter.com/GRl2X3iGfu
— Kevin Moore (@t__bird1) April 14, 2021
All these were willingly done by the two boys who genuinely loved Madison and enjoyed every moment with her. Kyran happily shared,
“It was never a burden to us at all.”
Madison made sure to always stick up for her best friends, too. Kyran recalled an incident where, when they were in the third grade, he was in tears because of a bad grade and it was Madison who was the first to comfort him.
That’s why during Madison’s high school graduation, Kevin proudly shared a photo of his daughter with her two friends. The trio was all smiles.
These 2 fine young men have watched out and have been friends with my daughter since kindergarten. pic.twitter.com/PW7a88FpBI
— Kevin Moore (@t__bird1) May 22, 2021
It didn’t take long before his post went viral, gaining over 46K retweets and 800K likes. It was a photo that said a lot but mostly, it highlighted Kevin’s gratitude for the boys for never leaving his daughter’s side and showing her the true meaning of friendship.
The two didn’t make Madison feel the least bit awkward for having Down Syndrome but they made sure to protect her from bullies. Pryce states,
“It was kind of like the big brother role, you know, just picking it up and keeping on with it, making sure she was good over the years, being that person our parents raised us to be.”
This always made Dena happy. The mom shares,
“Pryce and Kyran, in particular, have always gone out of their way to check on Madison. They have kind of been her protectors … to check on her, to say, ‘Hey, how are you?'”
#senior21 pic.twitter.com/Od6I3ZMvLl
— Kevin Moore (@t__bird1) April 27, 2021
Realizing how impactful his post on Twitter was and how it had the potential to inspire many others, Kevin took the opportunity to reach out to his fellow parents.
Last one. Parents, please be an advocate your child. When a school says No, we can’t do that. You tell them YES YOU CAN! pic.twitter.com/kYvZZ1LaNM
— Kevin Moore (@t__bird1) May 22, 2021
Pryce and Kyran are extremely proud of their little sister, Madison. The two greatly admire her and believe she’s an inspiration to many. Kyran adds,
“I think if we had a world full of people like Madison, I think we’d have a lot better place. She’s managed to overcome a lot. And if I were to use one word to describe her it would be ‘inspirational.’”
As one chapter ends another begins for my Little Squirrel. I’m soo proud of her. pic.twitter.com/EyF9FP44MJ
— Kevin Moore (@t__bird1) May 21, 2021
What a beautiful story of love and friendship! The trio sure is lucky to have each other.
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Source: Positive Outlooks, Twitter – t__bird1,