Mother of 'cyberbullied' toddler speaks out

Mother of 'cyberbullied' toddler speaks out (Image 1) (Copyright by WSLS - All rights reserved)

(WCBD) -  Mariah Anderson has been fighting for her life since she was born and now her family is having to fend off the internet.

Born with a rare condition called Chromosome Two Duplication Syndrome that impairs her learning and motor skills, Mariah turned two-years-old last Saturday. Her mother Kyra posted a photo of her daughter to celebrate the special day, but the web had other intentions for the birthday girl.

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The photo of Mariah became an internet sensation, shared by thousands, but not because of Mariah's smile. Facebook users made various comments on the original post poking fun at Mariah's appearance. 

Kyra Pringle, Mariah's mother, was horrified at some of things people said. Pringle. "The smile that you guys think is funny or the smile that you guys are comparing to a leprechaun," said Kyra Pringle, "the things you guys are saying about my child, she's not a monster, she's real."
Internet rallying around 'cyberbullied toddler' 

"If you're out there and you're doing these things, and you think that it's funny, it's not funny," said Linda Pringle, Mariah's grandmother, "This is actually a human being, this is a child, this is a baby."

The family just wants the virtual storm to pass. "People are going to do what they are going to do," said David Anderson, Mariah's father, "the only thing that's bothering me is what's bothering my family."

Mariah's life expectancy is grim. Her family knows the joke will eventually fade away and their time with Mariah is all that matters. "She's just a joy, it's a joy to have her right now," said Kyra Pringle, "It's just to the point where we're enjoying her."