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BELVIDERE, N.C. (WTKR) — Life hasn’t been easy for 13-year-old Emma Horton.
She was born a twin with a craniofacial disorder that causes her to look different. The rare medical disorder has caused her to have to undergo seven surgeries since she was born.
“She is my hero. She’s wonderful. She’s Christmas every single day,” said her mother, Patricia Horton.
Patricia wants other children and people to accept and understand her daughter’s disorder. The condition is rare and Emma also has other medical issues, including one that impacts her breathing. She’s spent most of her first two years in the hospital.
“It’s overwhelming. It’s scary. It’s a ton of emotions,” said Patricia.
September is Craniofacial Acceptance Month.
The same time of year that Emma is going back to school, which is where she said she has experienced bullying.
“I have girlfriends that love me, but kids are bullying me just to be mean,” said Emma. “I’ve had stuff thrown at me. I’ve had stuff said to me that just hurts.”
She said she’s experienced emotional and physical abuse in the past.
“They [bullies] will throw balls at the back my head. I’ve had a kid smack me in the back of my head with a magazine. I’ve had water bottles thrown at my butt,” said Emma.
Emma’s just like all the other kids in middle school. She likes math, photography, soccer and painting. She wants to be accepted despite her differences, and as thousands of kids head back to school she has a message for them.
“Whenever you see somebody like this, say hello. Don’t be afraid,” she said.
We reached out to the Perquimans County School District after our interview with Emma.
They said they were unaware of any issues of bullying and that they take it very seriously. Officials said they have set up a meeting to begin the next steps of support with Emma and her family and hope to use this as a teaching moment to help educate others about her disorder.
The school said, “Perquimans County Schools looks forward to partnering with Emma and her family as together we will strive to bring a greater awareness to Craniofacial Disorder and how it impacts student life at the middle school level.”
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