‘Mr Potato Head’: Boy Mocked on 2nd B-Day Defies All Odds Starting School 3 Years Later

When a little boy with a rare health condition received a birthday card mocking him, his mother wondered who could be so cruel. Still, the youngster always wore a smile, proving he could do anything he set his mind to.

The birth of a baby is usually a joyous occasion for any parent, and it was no different for this particular mother, Jade Gordon, who welcomed her little bundle of joy into the world. However, her happiness was short-lived as baby Noah Connell was diagnosed with a severe illness that threatened his life.

Despite the challenges, the mother from Scotland never wavered in her love for her child, and she vowed to do everything in her power to ensure his well-being.

As baby Noah grew older, his mother faced a new challenge when she encountered people who were rude and insensitive towards her child. Though she remained patient and understanding, there came a day when she could no longer tolerate their cruel behavior. She shared:

“They send messages saying horrible things about the way he looks.”

The incident left Jade angry and frustrated, but it also gave her the strength to fight harder for her child.

Fighting for Survival

Noah’s journey began with his birth at 39 weeks with Pierre Robin syndrome, a rare and life-threatening genetic condition that affects facial development.

As a result, Noah had to undergo many operations to fix his tiny jaw, chin, and neck. His condition also caused flat head syndrome, requiring metal plates to be inserted into his mouth.

Despite the many surgeries and adjustments, Noah’s condition remained a constant source of fear for his mother. She expressed:

“His condition means he could choke to death — it’s really frightening.”

The little one’s jaw needed to be adjusted with a screwdriver twice a day, and the struggles Noah faced were not just physical but emotional as well.

Jade recounted how cruel bullies sent online messages ridiculing Noah’s facial abnormalities, breaking her heart whenever she saw the hurtful comments.

To make matters worse, someone even sent Noah a card in the mail for his second birthday, calling him “Mr. Potato Head,” a vicious and insensitive nickname.

Jade, who was only 18 when she gave birth to Noah, recalled how the past five years had flown by but were filled with many challenges.

Jade could not fathom why anyone would be so cruel to a child who had already endured so much in his young life. She asked:

“Why would anybody send this to a child who can’t walk, crawl, or talk?”

The mother feared that the perpetrator of the nasty actions was someone she knew and begged for the torment to stop.

Despite everything, Noah remained brave and resilient. “Noah is a happy-go-lucky wee boy. No matter what he goes through, he has a smile on his face,” his mom added.

Brave Youngster Defies the Odds

Noah’s journey has been difficult, but despite all the obstacles, he grew stronger, overcame all the challenges, and achieved a remarkable milestone: starting school. Five years after his birth, he defied everyone’s expectations, including his parents.

As he donned his new blazer and joined his classmates at Kelbourne Park Primary School in Glasgow, Noah, who could face life-threatening consequences because of even a tiny amount of rain, was ready for a new adventure.

His mother was overcome with emotion. Jade, who was only 18 when she gave birth to Noah, recalled how the past five years had flown by but were filled with many challenges.

Despite everything he had gone through, Noah’s positive attitude and smile never wavered. He loved shaking hands with people he met and was a massive fan of Christmas, the Celtics, and Little Mix. Even his best friend from nursery school would be in the same class as him, and they were “double trouble” together.

Starting school was a tremendous accomplishment for Noah, but it was just the beginning of a bright future that his parents never thought was possible.

Comments of Support from Online Community

Noah’s joy was infectious, and many netizens were eager to wish him well on his first day at school. His courage and unforgettable smile touched them:

“What a gorgeous, courageous little boy. All the best in starting a new chapter in his life.”

– (Helen Geddes) August 17, 2022

“All the best on your first day at school, Noah. Lots of love from a fellow Celtic fan, and I am sure everyone at Celtic Park wishes you the same. Good luck with a great future.”

– (Robert Smyth) August 17, 2022

“I had the absolute pleasure of meeting this young man one day at Celtic Park. His beautiful smile just melted my heart.”

– (Christine Hoopy Collins) August 17, 2022

“Enjoy school, Noah. With a smile like that, you will make loads of friends. Hope you had a great day.”

– (Tracy Calderwood) August 17, 2022

“Through all this little [one] has been through, he hits us with that great big smile. Hope you had the best time.”

– (David Martin) August 17, 2022

Noah’s story is a reminder that the human spirit can overcome incredible obstacles. Despite the challenges that life may throw our way, we have the strength within us to keep pushing forward.

Noah’s journey inspires us all, reminding us that we can achieve anything we set our minds to, no matter how difficult the road may be.

Click here for another story about two inspiring children who overcame obstacles and ridicule.