By Colette Nguyen
Eight-year-old Chozin wakes up every morning excited about two things: going to school and eating. For many families, these moments are part of the daily routine. For Chozin’s parents, they are milestones once thought to be out of reach.
Chozin was born with mandibulofacial dysostosis with microcephaly, an extremely rare genetic disorder. It affects fewer than 40 people worldwide and causes developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities. His doctors predicted he might never walk, talk, or live a typical life. However, his parents refused to let a diagnosis define his future.
Health complications emerged early. At 6 months old, Chozin struggled to eat and required surgery to place a gastrostomy tube (G-tube). His doctor referred him to Kennedy Krieger Institute for an intensive feeding program designed to help children transition away from G-tube feeding.
To support him during this critical time, his family made the difficult decision to temporarily relocate from their home in Prince George’s County and stay at Ronald McDonald House Maryland. Surrounded by other families navigating similar treatments, they found unexpected community and comfort in what became a home away from home.
From Patient to Student
After successfully completing the feeding program, Chozin returned home and enrolled in his local school. The transition was challenging. He remained nonspeaking, and experienced learning delays that made it nearly impossible to progress in a typical classroom setting.
“When a child cannot express themselves, it is difficult for them to be in a typical school,” says his mom, Molika. “I knew finding him an education that met his needs as soon as possible was the only way to ensure he would learn and thrive.”
She hired an educational advocate to help find the right fit. The search was long and stressful, echoing the experiences of many families navigating specialized education systems.
Then came the call that felt almost like fate. The recommendation was for Chozin to attend Kennedy Krieger’s Fairmount Campus elementary and middle school.
The sense of hope was immediate. When Chozin’s family toured Fairmount, they were reminded of the support they had felt years earlier at Kennedy Krieger. The staff welcomed him with open arms. They focused not on his limitations, but on the possibilities of the student he could become.
My child has a future, and it is bright.” – Molika
An Exciting Future
Today, Chozin is a confident, charismatic third grader who loves learning to speak, read, draw, and dance. His impact on the school’s community is evident not only in his dedication to learning, but also in his kindness and care for others.
“Chozin is special because he is an incredibly hard worker, and that’s not something you can teach,” Fairmount Principal Shelly Ritchie says. “His progress has been marked by little gains in every discipline, including occupational therapy, speech therapy, and classroom learning, because of the hard work he puts in every day.”
What once felt impossible for Chozin now unfolds in everyday moments. At home, he is a role model to his two younger siblings, whether he is teaching them something new, encouraging them, or playing by their side. His growth is a powerful reminder that, with the right support, a child’s potential can reach far beyond expectations.
Like many children his age, Chozin has big dreams. He wants to be a police officer like his dad. That dream represents more than a career goal to his parents. It reflects the strong sense of purpose he carries with him.
“My child has a future, and it is bright,” Molika says. “Kennedy Krieger has given him this opportunity, and it has changed our lives.”