On Monday, October 26, Pine Bush Elementary School wore green in honor of Kabuki Syndrome Awareness Day. It is a cause that is important to the school since their fourth-grade student, Ashlyn Cardone, lives with Kabuki Syndrome.
Kabuki Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that occurs in 1 in 32,000 births worldwide. While it can affect every individual differently, people with Kabuki Syndrome can experience mild to moderate intellectual impairment, growth delays, feeding difficulties, heart defects, blood disorders, communication delays, and autistic-like behaviors.
The day started on an extra special note for Ashlyn and her twin sister, Avery, as they arrived at school in a police escort. The outpouring of support by the school community put a big smile on their faces!
Later in the day, their mother, Mrs. Cardone, visited Ms. Venzel’s fourth-grade class at PBE to read inspirational children’s books aloud to the class. She read “Just Ask” by Sonia Sotomayor and “I Am Lucy” by Chuck Neighbors. Students learned about how differences and struggles can make people unique with their own “superpower”.
It is heartwarming to see our community show their support for Ashlyn and her family!