real life

Mackenzie Moretter just turned 10. But nobody wants to come to her party.

A much-needed reminder that there is still some good in the world.

Mackenzie Moretter just turned 10-years-old. She loves swimming, holidays and spending time with her family at their Minnesota home. She also has a rare genetic disorder known as Sotos Syndrome, which means she has brain damage and struggles with social situations.

Mackenzie and her mum Jenny.

Mackenzie’s mother Jenny recently organised an awesome birthday party to celebrate – but sadly, not a single classmate RSVP’d yes. A heartbroken Mrs Moretter, desperate for her little girl to feel like a normal 10-year-old, took to Facebook to ask for help.

She posted:

Hello moms. I’m writing because I have a beautiful daughter named Mackenzie who is turning 10. I recently invited several girls to her birthday party this Saturday. I got cancellations or no calls at all saying whether there (sic) coming or not.

My daughter has Sotos Syndrome which means she has development delays such as speech and learning. She is incredibly loving and wants more than anything to have friends. At school she struggles and is often alone in the playground. As a mother, it is heartbreaking…you want your children to be happy.

I’m reaching out to moms who have daughters between the ages of 9-11 that would love to come to a birthday party tomorrow from 11-1.30. You don’t have to bring gifts or stay long, just stop by and wish her a happy birthday.

As of now, I have 2 girls coming which is family. She would be surprised to have other girls just show up…Thank you all for reading a mothers wish!

The day was saved thanks to 400 strangers.

 Related: This 5yo girl has put your last charity fun-run to shame.

The internet can be a pretty dark and cruel place sometimes. We see taunts, rude letters, Twitter abuse; the worst of humanity. However this story? It’s a reminder that the internet and our interconnectedness can actually be a force for good.

Because even though her classmates wouldn’t, a massive 400 people attended little Mackenzie’s birthday party.

Guests included local sporting heroes, volunteer performers who came dressed as Disney characters. Local businesses donated food, drinks and decorations to make it a truly special celebration for the little girl.

Strangers also uploaded songs for Mackenzie via her mother’s Facebook page, which was flooded with birthday messages for the little girl.

Take that, nasty classmates.