Mother Turns Heartbreak Into Hope: How Hazel’s Story Is Inspiring Families Worldwide

While Hazel continues to face significant health challenges, her story has resonated far beyond her family’s home. Victoria LaBrie, balancing the complex needs of her household, has become a voice for awareness and acceptance. Her 7-year-old twins, Harley and Harper, are autistic; her 5-year-old son, Colton, is an autistic savant; and she is also raising her 14-year-old sister, who has ADHD. Amid this demanding reality, Victoria has chosen not despair, but advocacy.
Through social media, she documents Hazel’s progress and the everyday triumphs and struggles of raising a medically complex family. Her videos and posts have reached millions, offering encouragement to parents navigating similar diagnoses. “She is lifting hearts. People are saying that I didn’t know I needed to be grateful for blinking,” Victoria said. Her openness has sparked conversations about rare conditions and the importance of understanding visible and invisible disabilities.
Hazel’s presence, even in her silence, has become a source of light for others. Families across the world have shared messages of support, moved by the little girl who cannot smile but inspires smiles everywhere. “Families everywhere are going to know who Hazel is,” Victoria said proudly. “And I can rest easy knowing that if we’re loud and proud about what she has going on that these families are talking about it to their children.”
To help provide for her children’s special needs, Victoria launched a GoFundMe campaign to secure a home suitable for what she lovingly calls her “five special needs kids.” Donations have surpassed $7,000, reflecting a growing wave of compassion and community support.
Despite the emotional and financial challenges, Victoria’s strength continues to guide her family. She remains determined to give Hazel every chance to thrive — and to ensure the world understands that a life without smiles can still bring immeasurable joy. Through courage, openness, and resilience, Victoria and Hazel are redefining what it means to find beauty, strength, and connection in the face of rare adversity.