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Flint area mom connecting with other special needs parents to reach new levels

Featured photo: Lybrijian “Cymone” Bearyman with her son Aubree Bearyman

Written by Tanya Terry

Lybrijian “Cymone” Bearyman, founder and owner of Rare Genetics Apparel, was featured by the Courier in December of 2021.

Bearyman’s youngest child, Aubree Bearyman, was born with an encephalocele. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an encephalocele is a sac-like protrusion or projection of the brain and the membranes that cover it through an opening in the skull. Encephalocele happens when the neural tube does not close completely during pregnancy.

Bearyman founded Rare Genetics Apparel to raise awareness about encephaloceles.

The Courier caught up with Cymone and Aubree Bearyman recently and was told little Aubree is thriving, along with Rare Genetics Apparel. Aubree Bearyman will be 2-years-old September 25.

“In the beginning of life, it was constant doctor’s appointments, hospitals, hospital stays-really just worrying because I wasn’t sure if he was going to survive through the night since our diagnosis was that he was not supposed to survive,” Cymone Bearyman explained.

“As of maybe the last year or year and a half, he has been thriving,” she added.

Bearyman said her son is learning to walk now.

“He’s starting to scoot,” she said. “He does a lot more than doctors thought he could do.”

Bearyman said her son loves music, and he rocks to it.

In addition, little Aubree was part of the “This Is Me Fashion Show” last year, which was created just for children living with special needs. His mom said the fashion show was a rare opportunity for him to feel included and safe, as well as an opportunity to meet other families of children living with special needs.

Aubree Bearyman

According to Cymone Bearyman, business has been good with Rare Genetics Apparel.

“We’re looking at adding a few lines. Hopefully, we’ll be adding our Christmas pajama line. I pray it will be out by the end of October so people can start placing orders.”

Previously, Aubree Bearyman wore a helmet. His mother told the Courier why he no longer does.

“Being honest, I don’t think it was helping him. It wasn’t doing what they expected it to do. It became uncomfortable. He didn’t like it, and on his journey I’ve always followed his path.”

Cymone Bearyman pointed out her son’s head is shaped uniquely.

“I want him to be comfortable in what he has. The whole point of the journey was to follow his lead. So, what he didn’t like, or what he didn’t want, we didn’t do.”

Cymone Bearyman has five children in all and considers motherhood her full time job.

“It’s a constant watch. I have to make sure he’s not hitting himself, or he’s not banging his head up against things. Little things like that is what I have to be on top of that I never thought I would have to be doing with my child.”

Cymone Bearyman stated she and her child have been turned away from a local hospital and his doctor’s office, who had never seen a case like little Aubree’s.

Still, Cymone Bearyman is treasuring every moment with her child.

She is not only planning on seeking nonprofit status for Rare Genetics, but she is hosting a Super Hero Special Needs Summit September 24. According to Bearyman, the goal of her event is to bring awareness and “offer a safe space for all special needs parents to come enjoy themselves and enjoy time with their special needs child.”

There will be bounce houses, vendors, resources, sensory areas and a place for Bearyman to talk about her son and their journey so far.

For details, visit the Rare Genetics Facebook page. To donate or sponsor, email raregeneticsapparel@gmail.com.

 

 

 

 

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