An American mother was devastated to learn that strangers in Australia had been saying vile things about her baby, who was born with a cleft palate.
Lisette Fernandez, from Florida, is known online for her advocacy for children born with the condition that affects her daughter Rosie, now two years old.
While most of the comments about her work have been positive, Lisette was dismayed to discover that a group of Australian women were making fun of her family in private chats.
She found out about the bullying when a follower sent her a screenshot showing a group of moms, who proudly call themselves “mean girls,” making fun of little Rosie.
“Anyone who says she was cute as a baby is lying,” said one of the women.
American mother Lisette Fernandez was devastated to learn that strangers in Australia had been saying vile things about her baby, who was born with a cleft palate.
Lisette, from Florida, is known online for her advocacy for children born with the condition that affects her daughter Rosie, now two years old (pictured as a newborn).
Speaking to FEMAIL, Lisette said she was devastated and angry by the cruel comments, which have since gone viral after she shared them online.
‘(One of the trolls) has since changed his name. And yes, he has apologized, but you can’t tell me that it wasn’t to save himself from a violent reaction,” he added.
Lisette talks about cruel teasing because she wants to highlight the dark side of social networks, where cyberbullying is widespread.
“I am horrified and saddened,” she said.
While most of the comments about her work have been positive, Lisette was dismayed to discover that a group of Australian women were making fun of her family in private chats (pictured).
The ‘mean girls’ chat was not only dedicated to making fun of Lisette’s daughter, but members also posted sarcastic content about other children and baby brands.
One mother in the chat complained that her child was not chosen for a brand promotion and called the company “racist” before criticizing the babies chosen.
The label organizing the promotion, whose name Daily Mail Australia has chosen not to reveal, was appalled by the false accusation.
‘Bullying has no place in our world. “We should support, encourage and uplift each other instead of spreading negativity,” they said.
“I cannot tolerate this behavior and will not be affiliated with these accounts.”
Lisette said the only silver lining to the abuse is that her daughter, whose cleft palate has been corrected, is too young to fully understand it..
Rosie is now a healthy two and a half year old girl.
“Actually, no, she won’t remember, but I sure do, which should count for something,” Lisette said.
“Actually, no, she won’t remember, but I sure do, which should count for something,” Lisette said.
“If you’re looking for something to say to a mom whose baby was born different, just tell her that her baby is beautiful, that she’s the perfect mom for that baby, and that you have her back.”
Rosie’s condition, unilateral cleft lip and palate, was diagnosed while she was still in the womb.
The family raised more than A$20,000 to help repair the crack.
Cleft palate can be caused by genetics, smoking or drinking during pregnancy, taking anti-seizure medications during pregnancy, or lack of folic acid during pregnancy. Most of the time, no definitive cause is discovered.
They affect one in every 700 babies born worldwide.