Boy with rare genetic disorder sees and rides horse for the first time

(WJBK) - Gabriel Sirr who was given the gift of sight just last month sees and rides a horse for the first time. 

"It opened a whole new world for me a whole new world of colors, a whole new world of possibilities. favorite color yet? Green the color of grass."

It’s so simple, a favorite color, but for Gabriel Sirr having a favorite color really is seeing and experiencing a whole new world.

"To do something like this, it really makes me feel normal makes me feel like everyone else," he said.

For Gabriel that normal is riding a horse for the first time. 

Sure it’s special for most but for Gabriel this is extra special, he’s not just up here conquering his fear of heights, or his anxiety. 

"I was a little bit nervous but that's what made it fun,” Gabriel said.

But he’s also actually seeing this horse, something that was impossible not that long ago.

He was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder when he was just one years old. WAGR’S meant Gabriel dealt with being legally blind, mentally disabled, and a battle with kidney cancer.

But with special glasses, that were purchased with money donated by so many after they first heard Gabriel’s story on Fox 2. 

"When we got my glasses, me and my dad looked outside and I saw a silver truck."

"It was amazing and emotional all at once," Gabriel’s mom Jessica Sirr said.

The everyday wonders of the world, so many take for granted, now open for Gabriel because of a little generosity, faith, and asking for help.

"So many people came together and helped Gabriel get to where he's at now with the glasses. It’s amazing, all you have to do is ask for help," Jessica said.

"Keep on trying and one day you reach your goals, never give up, there’s always a bright side to everything," Gabriel said.
The Sirr family says that they have already raised more than $12,000. WAGR’S is so rare it only impacts 1 in 1 million people. After cancer, Gabriel is currently only living with one kidney.