Sunday, February 14, 1999

Abby's Days In The Sun Rude stares, comments hurt

People stare at Abby everywhere she goes. (Gary Landers photo) | ZOOM |

        During her week in Florida, Abby sees exotic creatures on a safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom. She also comes face-to-face with another beast: man's cruelty.

        “Monster,” hisses a young boy, pointing at Abby at the park. Everywhere she goes, people stare. Some laugh and make insensitive remarks. Her special NASA suit protects her from the sun, but fails to shield her from curiosity seekers. One boy presses his face next to hers to peer through her tinted goggles. "I don't blame the kids, but their parents should teach them better,” says Abby's mother, Caroline Perkins-Banks.

        Abby generally does not hear the remarks, but notices the stares and pointing. She calls people “mean.” And sometimes — behind the cover of her mask — she sticks out her tongue at them.

        During a layover at the Atlanta airport, a man laughs and says, “It looks like he's ready for germ warfare.” As Abby's mom explains the suit is for sun protection, another passenger comes to her defense: “What's the matter with you (expletive)? That's just a little kid.”

NEXT:Sundown brings freedom

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Main story
'Someday, Abby, someday'
'Look at all that water'
Real-life Cinderella
Rude stares, comments hurt
Sundown brings freedom
World opening for Indiana boy, too