Real Stories. Real Smiles
Get to know the amazing kids featured in our books! Each photo and story here represents a real child whose life, courage, and joy have inspired the pages of The Hazelnut Movement. These are the true faces behind the characters—changing the world one smile at a time.
Impacted by NKH
Meet Hazel
Hazel—affectionately known as Hazelnut—is the heart behind The Hazelnut Movement. She is impacted by a rare disorder called NKH, and her story is what started it all. Hazel is full of joy, loves people, and lights up anytime she hears her favorite song, The Wheels on the Bus. Her happiness is contagious, and her life continues to inspire countless others.
Impacted by Optic Nerve Hypoplasia
Meet Mae Mae
Bio coming soon!
Impacted by Brain Malformation
Meet Lily
Bio coming soon!
Impacted by VACTERL/VATER Syndrome
Meet Xander
Bio coming soon!
Impacted by ADHD, Anxiety & Depression
Meet Ben
Bio coming soon!
Impacted by Down Syndrome
Meet Becca
Bio coming soon!
Impacted by Severe Epilepsy and Autism
Meet Lila
Bio coming soon!
Impacted by Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
Meet Adalynn
Bio coming soon!
Impacted by Birth Defects and Cerebral Dysgenesis
Meet Megan
Bio coming soon!
Impacted by Angelman Syndrome
Meet Cecilia
Bio coming soon!
Impacted by NKH
Meet Russell
Russell is one of the sweetest boys you’ll ever meet. Whether he’s cruising around in his wheelchair or scooting across furniture in his stylish AFOs, he does it all with charm and confidence. He has a deep love for music—especially anything with a good beat—and yes, he’s got rhythm! Like his sister Hazel, Russell is impacted by NKH, but that doesn’t stop him from spreading joy wherever he goes.
Impacted by Digeorge Syndrome
Meet Rhyelle
Bio coming soon!
Impacted by Kabuki Syndrome
Meet Riley
Bio coming soon!
Impacted by KAT6B Genetic Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, CVI & Horner's Syndrome, Cleft Palate, Heart & Brain Malformations, Hypothyroidism, Radioulnar Synostosis
Meet Bash
Bio coming soon!
Impacted by Autism and Cerebral Palsy
Meet Sofia
Bio coming soon!
Impacted by HIE, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy and Dysphagia
Meet Jolene
Bio coming soon!
Impacted by CVI and Cerebral Palsy
Meet Freya
Bio coming soon!
Impacted by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Meet Jaxon
Bio coming soon!
Impacted by Cleft Palate
Meet Wyatt
Bio coming soon!
From the Page to Real Life
Every child in our Hazelnut books is inspired by a real-life superhero. On this page, you’ll meet the incredible kids behind the stories—complete with real photos and powerful glimpses into their journeys. Their strength, joy, and unique abilities are what make these stories so special. We’re honored to share their voices with the world.
Share Your Superhero’s Story: Celebrating Kids Impacted by Disability
Do you know a child who inspires others with their strength, courage, joy, or kindness? We want to celebrate them! This form is for families who would like to share the story of a child impacted by disability—whether through a diagnosis, medical journey, or unique life experience.
Whether you’d like their story featured in an upcoming book or showcased on our “Meet the Real Superheroes” page, we believe the world needs to hear about these incredible kids. Every child has a purpose and a powerful story to tell—and we’re honored to help share it.
Please take a few minutes to fill out the form below. Our team will review each submission with care and may reach out for follow-up or to feature your child’s story.
Feel the Joy!
