Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
HIGHLAND -- Celebrating the first year of a child's life is a milestone for any family. But for one local boy, turning one was much more miraculous.
Paxton Norton suffers from an extremely rare chromosomal deletion called 7-q deletion. It is so rare that he may be the only person to ever have it. But Paxton is beating the odds and had several reasons to celebrate for his first birthday.
"He's writing his own story; he's writing his own book and he's telling us what he can do," said his mother Shannon Norton. "And we just have to wait and see."
When Shannon was 19-weeks pregnant, she learned Paxton had an extremely rare chromosomal defect. And for much of Paxton's life, the Newborn ICU at Primary Children's Medical Hospital is where he called home. Paxton has had more surgeries than his family can count.
He's writing his own story; he's writing his own book and he's telling us what he can do. And we just have to wait and see.
–Shannon Norton
"It's a great life we're celebrating because he teaches us a lot about love and perspective -- what's important in life." Shannon said.
Although Paxton has made great strides, he receives 24- hour-a-day care.
"He has a strong spirit and he's a fighter," said Paxton's primary nurse Gabriela Morales. "He does not give up."
"We've spent a lot of time and energy taking care of this small child -- he is so special," said Maryann Hansen, one of Paxton's nurses. "You can see the love that the parents have for him as well and you just grow with them."
Doctors are unsure how many years Paxton will live, but his family is sure every day they have with their little champ will be precious.
"We love Paxton so immensely. It's all encompassing," said his father Dave Norton. "We just love this little guy. He's our hero."
When Paxton was born he weighed only 3 pounds, 13 ounces. But today, he now weighs 13 pounds, 14 ounces.
Email: jstagg@ksl.com
