Mom writes children’s book about son with rare genetic disorder

Featured on WFMY News 2 TV

March 31, 2023

Shelley Mason’s son has a rare genetic disorder. She wrote a book about him called ‘There’s a Little Boy in My Class and I Don’t Know His Name’ to promote inclusiveness for kids with disabilities.

Khye Jessup of Greensboro may weigh under 45 pounds and stands at just three feet tall, but that doesn’t stop him from doing what he enjoys most. 

“Especially when I talk to children, I like to talk to children, explain about disabilities and talk about Khye,” Shelley Mason said. “I ask them, ‘Do you think Khye can play football?’  They’re like no. When I say, ‘He does, he plays football and basketball and baseball. They’re like really, for real?”

At two years old doctors diagnosed Khye with Hunter’s Syndrome. Hunter’s Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that has taken his ability to walk, talk and eat on his own. His mother Shelley Mason says doctors told her he wouldn’t live past 10 years old.

“He’ll be 26 in May,” Mason said. “So, he’s done a lot better than what anybody has expected.”