PROMOTING inclusivity and acceptance is a way of life for the Classen family. Parents Brad and Tracey are continually working to raise awareness about Apert Syndrome – a condition that affects their son, Chad.
Apert Syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes skeletal abnormalities, and young Chad has often faced strangers’ stares. On Wednesday, February 1, the youngster was at a Glenashley supermarket with his grandmother, Leslie Smillie, when they encountered another child in the aisle.
Father Brad Classen took to Facebook to share what happened next – posting what Smillie had written:
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“As we got to the cold-drink shelves, I saw a man and his son. As the son saw Chad, he stepped to one side and pointed towards Chad. As I walked past him, I said, ‘Hi,’ and explained that Chad was a little boy just like him. Thankfully, Chad hadn’t noticed all this,” wrote Smillie.
The proud grandmother went on to praise the way the child’s father handled the situation.
“He quickly explained to his son that we don’t all look the same,” she wrote. “The Dad then came over to greet Chad. I want to thank him again for stepping in quickly and explaining to his son. I wish more parents would step in and explain differences to their children. It is so important,” added Smillie.
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For years, father Brad Classen has summed it up with the phrase, ‘Instead of staring, say hello.’
“Chad is quite well known in the community due to his online social media presence. A greeting goes so much further than a point and a stare, so do the right thing and say hello. Everyone is different – education is the key,” he said.
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