'Miracle' Toddler Beating Microcephaly Odds Every Day

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TAMPA (CBSMiami) – We're hearing a lot about microcephaly lately because of the Zika crisis in South Florida.

Yet, one Central Florida toddler has been living with a very severe case of the developmental disorder for the past two years.

It's why his parents are working hard to raise awareness about the debilitating disease at a time when people will be listening.

Jaxson Buell is beating the odds every day. Still, with little to no information available on his condition, his parents don't know what tomorrow will bring.

Doctors say it's a miracle the 2-year-old boy is still alive.

Jaxon has microhydranencephaly – a developmental abnormality in the brain that can cause severe microcephaly.

The toddler is living with only 20 percent of the brain.

Doctors aren't sure what caused his condition. Some say genetics, others believe a lack of oxygen to the brain.

After Jaxon was born, doctors Told Brandon and Brittany their little boy wouldn't make it.

They were shown a normal child's MRI of their brain. But when the doctor showed them Jaxon's brain, there was fluid where there should have been brain tissue.

The Buells said they were told Jaxon would probably never hear, never see, never walk and never talk.

But when Jaxon reacted to a loud noise as a new-born, his parents suddenly had hope.

Not only does he react to sound, he's gaining mobility.

He struggles every day with seizures, but he's on medication and in therapy.

Jaxon's parents have started the Jaxon Strong Foundation.

They hope to raise awareness about microcephaly and advocate for research.

Click here to visit the Jaxon Strong Foundation website.