A three-year-old girl living with a rare genetic condition that affects her facial development is winning hearts with her infectious smile, despite hurtful comments from strangers who have compared her appearance to an “alien.”

Ryley Nazario has Pfeiffer syndrome, a rare condition that affects how the bones of the skull and face develop.

Her mum, Vanessa Nazario, 39, said Ryley has attracted attention since birth, with some strangers offering unwanted sympathy while others make unkind remarks. But through it all, the cheerful toddler continues to smile, earning her the loving nickname “Smiley Ryley.”

Vanessa, from Rockland, New York, recalled: “A few weeks ago, a child came up to me and said Ryley looked like an alien. It was incredibly hurtful.

“I asked him how he would feel if someone said that about him and explained that Ryley is just like anyone else.”

Vanessa says her family faces stares and comments regularly. While she understands that children can be curious, she finds adults’ reactions particularly difficult.

“People say, ‘Oh my God, the poor thing,’ but I want them to understand that I don’t need their sympathy. Ryley is fine. She’s amazing, and she doesn’t need people to feel sorry for her or stare at her.”

Ryley was diagnosed with Pfeiffer syndrome at birth, a genetic condition estimated to affect around one in 150,000 children. It causes certain bones to develop differently.

In Ryley’s case, her facial structure affects her breathing. She uses a tracheostomy tube in her neck to help her breathe comfortably and also lives with scoliosis. Despite being only three, she has already undergone more than ten operations.

Vanessa and her husband, Jose, 43, are now preparing their daughter for what could be her most significant surgery yet.

When Ryley turns five, she is expected to undergo midface surgery at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The procedure aims to move the bones of her face forward, potentially improving her breathing and helping develop facial features that are currently affected by her condition.

Vanessa explained that the operation could also be an emotional experience for parents because of the changes it may bring to their child’s appearance. The family has already begun discussing the procedure with Ryley to help her prepare.

The family also felt a deep connection to the film Wonder, which follows a young boy with a similar facial condition as he navigates school and other people’s reactions.

“We all went to see Wonder, and it was so hard not to get emotional because our story is so similar,” Vanessa said.

“It was heartbreaking to see how children can react, but also wonderful to see how resilient they can be. I’m so happy that schools are reading Wonder and parents are taking their children to see it because it teaches such an important lesson.”

To help others better understand Ryley’s condition, Vanessa even created an information brochure that she shares with children in her daughter’s life.

Despite the challenges she faces, Ryley’s bright personality continues to shine through. Her family says she is full of energy, always smiling and dancing, and has an incredible spirit.

“She’s just the happiest little girl. She’s fierce, fierce, fierce. She’s always smiling and dancing,” Vanessa said.

“As a mum, you just have to do your best, support your child and let them be themselves.”

Source: metro.co.uk