Jaxon Emmett Buell (August 27, 2014 – April 1, 2020) was an American child known for being born missing about 80% of his brain due to anencephaly.[1] He surpassed doctors' expectations, who predicted he would not live to see his first birthday. He actually lived over five-and-a-half years. When he turned one, his parents began posting updates about him on social media, which gained attention.[2]
Buell was born on August 27, 2014, in Orlando, Florida,[1] to Brittany Lynn and Brandon Jacob Buell.[3] His disorder was discovered when Brittany was 17 weeks pregnant. The Buells, self-declared Christians, were given the option of an abortion, which they declined.[4][5] At birth, most of Jaxon's skull was missing, his umbilical cord was tied around his neck, and his body was black and blue all over.[6] Doctors predicted he would die within hours. Jaxon Buell spent the first three-and-a-half weeks in an intensive neonatal care unit.[6]
His family lived in Tavares, Florida for most of Jaxon Buell's life. Shortly after his birth, Buell's parents set up a Facebook page titled "Jaxon Strong," dedicated to documenting their son's life, along with a GoFundMe campaign to cover his medical expenses. By October 2015, the Facebook page had received over 200,000 likes, and they successfully raised over $100,000 in donations.[5] Jaxon Buell's serious malformations led to him suffering constant seizures, and he was only able to receive nourishment through a feeding tube.[6]
Eventually, his parents divorced, after which Buell spent the rest of his life living with his mother.[3] He died in North Carolina on April 1, 2020, due to complications from his condition. He was 5 years old.[7]
