There is so much you do not know about Sam or even Michael, who is almost two years old. At first glance, you may see the condition that affects their facial features. You will soon realize their medical condition does not define them.
"People don't really say much when they do judge," said mother, Brittany Brown.
Brittany Brown did not know what TCS, or Treacher Collins Syndrome, was before her son was born with it. It is a condition that affects the bones and tissues of the face.
"I kinda turned him over and saw his face, and we just knew he was going to be special," said Brown.
Jono Lancaster, who is from the U.K., did not get that kind of support. He also has TCS and was abandoned by his biological parents and later adopted. He memorized his case file and recited the words to WFAA.
"The opening line of this paperwork is Jonathan was born, both parents were horrified with the child's appearance. Had no maternal bond," Lancaster recited.
Lancaster is here for kids like Sam and Michael. Jono admits he really struggled in his teen years. His friends were having relationships and at the same time, he struggled with how he looked.
"No kid should live their life hiding away," Jono said.
In his twenties, Jono gained the confidence to really live with his condition. Brittany knows her son Michael will face his own battles when he grows up.
"...That other little kids are going to be mean to him. How do you respond as a parent? You want what's best for your kid," she said.
Lancaster is in the DFW area, meeting with families who have children with TCS. On Friday the movie "Wonder" will premiere. It features the story of a boy with facial differences and the struggles that come with his condition.
There are only a handful of people in the DFW area with TCS. There is hope for all here that the new movie "Wonder" will open people's eyes to the condition.
"He's his own person. He's so much more than what he looks like," Brown said.
What makes them rare has nothing to do with their condition.