Mackenzie Moretter, a 10-year-old girl with a rare genetic disorder, was surprised by hundreds of people after her classmates didn’t rsvp to her birthday party.
According to WCCO, Mackenzie Moretter of Shakopee, Minnesota, has Sotos Syndrome, which makes it difficult for her to make friends.
Sadly, none of her classmates responded to a recent invitation to attend her birthday party. So her mom took matters into her own hands and reached out on Facebook to ask for help to celebrate her daughter’s special day.
The response was phenomenal.
When the public heard her story, they responded with an incredible outpouring of love and generosity.
Nobody Showed up to This 10-Year-Old's Birthday Party So Her Mom Did Something Amazing http://t.co/R0EWakMLfp pic.twitter.com/YW18IaMuoN
— Cosmopolitan (@Cosmopolitan) April 19, 2015
Not only did neighbors and friends show up, but Elsa from Frozen and former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Charles Johnson came out to celebrate with Mackenzie Moretter. The City of Shakopee even declared April 18 as “Mackenzie Moretter Day” and local businesses donated food for the 400 or so partygoers.
“I know how it feels to be at a low point, and I just wanted to come here and show her that people do have hearts,” Charles Johnson said.
Hundreds attend girl's birthday party after mom's plea: http://t.co/hrC7079ASp pic.twitter.com/PW9D2xSqd9
— 13News Now (@13NewsNow) April 19, 2015
Needless to say, Mackenzie’s mother, Jenny, was just as touched by the generosity of those who came to wish Mackenzie a happy birthday.
“It’s truly inspiring to know somebody who cares for somebody they don’t know,” she said.
I was blessed and honored to meet and help celebrate Mackenzie Moretter birthday today! Thank u so much for having us pic.twitter.com/6iY2PnpQEx
— Charles Johnson (@MrInkredibleXII) April 18, 2015
“It means a lot to me for all of you coming to spend time with me,” Mackenzie told partygoers during the festivities, which included specially-made cupcakes for the occasion.
Mackenzie Moretter went from no one coming to her b-day party tomorrow.. to 300.. because of one post on FB. pic.twitter.com/tINMNZvZqT
— Rob Olson (@RobOlsonFOX9) April 17, 2015
“Even though school is hard for her, there are so many people out there that do believe she’s an incredible girl,” Jenny said of her daughter.
As for the hundreds of gifts Mackenzie Moretter received, the family intends to pass on the love by encouraging the birthday girl to choose a few to keep and then give the rest to other children.