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Jeter's Journey to the Pages of a Book
Jeter was born with an extremely rare genetic disorder called mandibulofacial dystosis with microcephaly (MFDM). His mother Maddie, says that he struggles with speech as part of his disorder. NGR asked Maddie to write a book about Jeter, which resulted in Rare is Beautiful. In June of 2024, Maddie and Jeter were able to attend an MFDM conference at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and were provided with copies of the book to distribute there. She says the children were excited to see in the book someone who looked like them and that parents she met at the conference still send pictures of their children reading the book.
Book reading has been an important connection between mother and son. In fact, looking at the book was the first time Maddie ever heard Jeter say his name. During their first reading of Rare is Beautiful, Jeter opened it, saw himself, and “pointed to the page, saying, ‘Jeter,’ Jeter.’”
Your donation will help provide books to children across Nebraska. Nebraska Growing Readers is committed to providing free books to families and to promoting the shared-reading habits that build important developmental bonds. Literacy is not just about reading; it's about developing crucial behavioral skills, building bonds between children and their families and between children and educators, and promoting future academic success. Help us make literacy a priority across Nebraska with your donation!
