7-year-old Madden Humphreys is not the same as most boys.
In addition to being born with a cleft lip, the youngster has heterochromia iridum: a rare condition that means that both of his irises are different colors. Since only about 1% of the population is diagnosed with the condition, Madden’s eyes and lip makes him an exceptionally unique boy indeed.
Unfortunately, not everyone sees it that way – Madden is often bullied by other kids at his school in Oklahoma. In fact, the youngster made internet headlines last year for the anti-bullying video that he published with his mom Christina.
“Don’t be mean to other people that are different,” he said in the video. “We’ve already been through a lot of hard stuff. Show everybody kindness! You’re missing out on a lot of awesome people if you’re being a poophead to them. Don’t be a poophead! … cause the most unlovable people need love the most.”
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Thanks to some internet magic, however, Madden now has a friend who deserves the same love that he does.
Christina told Love What Matters earlier this week that someone published a photo of a rescue cat to a Facebook group of moms with cleft lip kids. Not only did the cat have a cleft lip, but it also had the same eye condition as Madden.
“We knew immediately that this kitty was meant to be part of our family,” says Christina. “They were destined to be best friends.”
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Some family friends helped fund the Humphreys’ road trip from Oklahoma to Minnesota so they could adopt Moon the cleft lip cat.
“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,” said Christina. “In a world 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.”
Since adopting the feline, Moon and Madden have become the best of friends. They even have an Instagram page for posting photos of their shenanigans.
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Christina told Love What Matters: “I’m stunned at how this all played out. It sounds silly, but fate willed these two together. There’s no other explanation. This kitty was so far away from us. I’m amazed that we found out about him, and even more amazed by the friends and strangers that helped us get to him, and adopt him.
“Everyone needs a friend, and everyone needs to feel understood. I’m so thankful Madden has Moon. Not only so that both he and the kitty have a relatable and sweet companion, but also, I hope Moon helps Madden realize that being born unique in an incredible thing; that he is magic. These two handsome guys truly are a wonder.
Click To Share The Pawesome Story With Your Friends (Photo by Christina Humphreys)