NJ Family Hopes ‘Cereal Challenge’ Can Help Save Boy's Sight

CALDWELLS, NJ — A new internet challenge is giving people a small taste of what life might soon be like for a North Caldwell boy in danger of losing his sight.

The family of Zachary Root, who was born deaf and diagnosed with Usher Syndrome, say they’re now in a “race against time” to raise donations – and awareness – to slow his vision loss, a potential symptom of the rare, genetic disorder.

So far, the family has raised more than $48,000 towards their $100,000 goal. Learn more or make a donation here.

To help spread the word, the Roots are asking people to take the #USHER1FCEREALCHALLENGE, a lesson in empathy using Zachary’s favorite food, cereal.

It’s simple to understand – but much harder than you might think. Here’s how it works, they say: “Blindfold yourself to make a bowl of cereal to get a small taste of what life might be like for Zachary if he loses his vision.”

Watch the adorable youngster take on the challenge himself below.

Watch his father also take on the challenge and explain the need for the fundraiser.

A few years ago, the Roots shared some details about what its like for Zachary to live with Usher 1F. They wrote:

"Those who know him - know him as a typical little boy who doesn’t stop talking and has these magic ears - and we know you almost can’t even believe he is deaf. He is happy, curious, funny, smart, creative and oblivious to the future that is in store for him. Those of you who know Jared and I closely also know what we are happy, social, love our friends and family and are dedicated parents. Always a brave face on. What we keep from everyone is the debilitating fear that consumes our lives. We get a call from school that he tripped at school, he talks about when he starts to drive, his future -typical little boy stuff and this leads to sleepless nights, suffocating worry, hidden tears and outright panic. We ask ourselves ... has IT started? Is his vision getting worse?"

"While we look brave, strong and tough, we simply aren’t," his family said. "We are scared. Scared of the day this cruel disease starts to rob our amazing Zachary of his vision - a fear no parent should ever have to worry about."

Since the Root family launched their campaign, other people have been taking up the call, posting a wave of videos on social media that show their own struggles with the “simple” task of making cereal blindfolded.

Send local news tips and correction requests to [email protected]

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Caldwells Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.