1. We strive to raise awareness and create a better world. Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day Presentation by Kelsey Ferrill

2. Moebius Syndrome is a rare neurological condition. It is not yet known for sure if it is genetic. What is it?

3. How many people does Moebius affect? Because it is so rare, an exact number of cases is not known. It is estimated that Moebius affects about 5000-10000 people worldwide.

4. Moebius Syndrome can be defined, in short, as an underdevelopment or malformation of some of the 12 cranial nerves. These nerves control different functions. More About Moebius

5. The telltale, signature sign of Moebius Syndrome is facial paralysis. The cranial nerve that controls facial movement is almost always affected.

6. Those with Moebius have essentially no facial movement. I can’t blink my eyes, I have a bit of a smile, but can’t smirk or frown.

7. There may be other things associated with Moebius Syndrome as well such as limb deformities, vision or hearing loss and sometimes those with Moebius are also on the autism spectrum.

8. Why is this day so important to us? We strive to raise awareness so that the public is educated on what it is. We want to do this so that when someone sees a person with Moebius, their initial reaction isn’t to stare, point, do a double take or make comments.

9. There are many faces of Moebius Syndrome, as you will see on the next slides.

10. Tim Smith Tim does an immense amount for the Moebius Community. He in invaluable.

11. Jennifer Allaby “Raising awareness of Moebius Syndrome is important to me because no child should ever grow up thinking they're the only one in the world who looks like they do.”

12. "We are raising awareness about Moebius Syndrome because every smile is beautiful, especially the ones that come from the heart!" Zayden Wise

13. Chelsey Thomas 24 year old University student in California

14. Alex Barker I won't let this condition stop me from doing what I want to do. People tell me that I can't do things and I love to prove them wrong!

15. Sophie Boffa

16. Kasey Wessel Karla (Kasey’s mom) on Kasey- “What I have learned from Kasey and all our Moebius friends is determination, humor, grace and strength. I have never been more inspired by all they will accomplish and overcome”

17. Kevin and Lisa Smant Kevin is a college professor and Lisa is a librarian.

18. Will Harrison “I always tell people to never ever give up. Our society will put so many road blocks in our way because everything is based on looks and appearances, but it is whats on the INSIDE that matters.”

19. “Raising awareness is not only meant for the larger community, but also for the little ones living with Moebius so that the awareness of today can serve as an educating tool for their tomorrows and by doing so, our little ones will grow up equipped to defend themselves and learn to become socially bold!”- Kay Jacobs

20. Raising awareness of Moebius Syndrome is important to me personally because I believe that by doing this, we can create a more tolerant, inclusive world. That is what I hope to do today.

21. Thank you so much for coming by! If you see me around SAIT please stop and say hi! I hope that I have successfully raised awareness of Moebius Syndrome!