Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Survivor-Robbie 

Thank you all for all your kind comments I appreciate it I was very nervous at first not knowing what to expect

Sadly, I was a bully in elementary school - high school. It breaks my heart now as an older adult because I never took interest in the stories and lives of those I was mean to. Trust me, Karma has more than adequately made me pay it all back. I am now a social worker who is an advocate for those who are abused and neglected. I work every day to pay off my debt of ignorance. God bless Robbie, you're a tremendous and strong individual!

I went to high school with Robbie. He was always a great guy, super friendly and nice to everyone.

For all the so called ‘tough guys’ walking around. Robbie is the real deal in my eyes eyes. Your one tough guy Robbie. Stronger than me anyway. I wish you the best in life.

As a 3 month pregnant woman that has struggled with alcohol addiction before, this video was all the motivation that I needed. Thank you Mark!

You're a good man Robbie. The world needs all the good men we can get

I have read about this but have never seen an actual case. This is heart wrenching. Robbie has overcome so much. He ia an incredible human being. He has been fighting for survival since he was in the womb.

“My childhood was good, went to Cincinnati for surgery to save my life” Don’t take what you have for granted. Amazing interview mark

He's very intelligent and well spoken. He seems so lovely. So sad he had a hard life since he was born. Addiction is so selfish. People who bully and abuse him are trash. Glad he was adopted by wonderful people.

Robbie is a king. I lived in the same small town as Robbie and he was always super friendly with everyone. It's heartbreaking to hear what happened to him growing up and him struggling with this. I hope the best for Robbie in everything in life

Although Robbie has been horribly effected by his mother's selfishness, perhaps not even considered, he has managed to turn into a warm and compassionate man. May his future be happier and love find him..💜

This is heartbreaking, addiction & careless choices from his biological mother damaged this man for life. Thankfully for his adoptive parents have given this man love & safety. He has such a positive attitude, Stay strong!

This man is intelligent beyond words! He has taken the last thirty three years to accept and forgive those in his life. The amount of strength, knowledge, and acceptance it takes to be where he is now.

I think this has been the hardest one to watch. My heart just broke for him. He did absolutely nothing to be given this lot in life. He is such a good person

My mother was a meth addict and didn't know she was pregnant with me until three months in, I'm still not sure if she completely stopped when she found out. My grandma would always tell me I was lucky there was nothing wrong with me when I was real young but never understood what she meant until I got older. My mom has been clean for 25 years now. I hope this man can find happiness and continue to have more good days then bad.

As a mother of a child with FASD I truly appreciate you giving this attention. I have had to fight so hard with Drs and the school to give my kid the services they deserve because fetal alcohol syndrome isn’t talked about and so misunderstood so many kids suffer. Thank you again I really hope this spreads more awareness. And Robbie is just what all of us should strive to be- a kind loving human being ❤️

My adoptive cousin! A Great guy! Having Fetal Alcohol Syndrome myself surviving with a single blood sister having been the full brother of the one he mentioned we lost recently (Ashlee) which he did not name out of respect and safety for us and I appreciate it it's down to Me and Halee in the biological family (we were adopted at birth) I can relate to you on a mental aspect it took more courage than most of you will understand but we see it Robbie much love buddy ❤️

It seems that experiencing unconditional love is a matter of life and death. Wise man. Thanks for sharing your story.

Robbie is a great person and anyone that knows him personally knows that . He’s exactly how he is in this video in person 🥰

This man is a gem. He is so strong and gentle. I wish him peace and joy.

Man this dude is unbelievably amazing! His attitude about life is one we all should take notes from. I dont think he makes bad decisions either. I just think he is a kind and generous man, and unkind people have taken advantage and he has a hard time saying no. His attitude made my day!

Robbie, you've just found a few thousand more friends! I think you are incredible and very worthy

I couldn't watch the whole video because I'm about to burst into tears. What a sweet human being and God bless his adoptive parents for raising him to be the lovely man that he is today. I hope he lives a long, full and very happy life.

God bless Robbie. I want to hug him and tell him he is important to me.

I think that many have heard of fetal alcohol syndrome, but almost no one has seen it. Thanks Robbie for bringing this into the public eye instead of just being words. This will surely open the eyes of the future. very brave and inspiring thanks Robbie.

Glad you’re here with us, Robbie. You’re needed in this world. I’m sure with Mark’s help you’re going to touch millions of peoples lives. It’s a beautiful thing.

This one really hits home with me. Looking at it through the eyes of the adoptive parent. Robbie is a beautiful person.

“Family dysfunction rolls down from generation to generation, like a fire in the woods, taking down everything in its path until one person in one generation has the courage to turn and face the flames. That person brings peace to their ancestors and spares the children that follow.” T Real The selfish decisions of alcoholic and drug addicted birth parents have long lasting effects. I'm so very sorry this was done to you. You're a strong person... a fire fighter.... and I truly hope you find love, peace and happiness in this world moving forward. 🔥

What a great guy,.. Just a pure soul.

I was adopted when I was two. My Mom did drugs when she was pregnant - this one really felt personal .... thank you for sharing your story Robbie. I wish you continued independence and success in life.

The smile he had after he talked about proving those doctors wrong warmed my heart all the way over. I’m glad that he knows how far he’s come and that he’s proud of himself. I’m proud too kind sir. Such a sweet sweet soul. You can tell.

Yes Robbie is a awesome man. He's a sweet guy and cares about every one and there problems too. He's my baby and I love him

Mark, thank you again for giving people a voice, a platform for them to just talk, be themselves, have someone listening (important!). Another amazing interview. Blessings!

Jesus I never knew fetal alcohol syndrome was so severe. God help this man, so glad he was adopted by good ppl, I hope the rest of his life is kind to him🤞

Truly heartbreaking...He wasn't given a chance, by a selfish person. God bless him for being so strong. These kinds of stories really put things in perspective. 🙏

What a precious soul with an awareness that is so perceptive! Bless his sweet heart ♥️ He is an inspiration!

I think Robbie is quite handsome, carries himself well and comes across as confident & wise beyond folks three times his age. I wanted to hear him play his guitar. If he practices & is good there’s a world of communication in those riffs! Mark, please do a follow up & let us hear him play. My son plays killer guitar & cant sing on key to save his life. But he’s in a local band that gigs most weekends. He’s lead guitar & the other guitarist sings. Drum & bass. Music levels every field. Be great if Robbie could form, or become part of a band. The money ain’t good once you divvy it up. But it’s band mates, fun, & people dance, applaud & scream when you’re good. That from 30 or 40 people is as good as a screaming stadium. Let us hear him play. “Would you hear my voice come through the music? Would you hold it dear, as it were your own?” (Ripple - Grateful Dead)

This interview cut me to the core. Robbie made me feel human again and the importance of just being kind.

Interestingly enough, he struggles with executive functioning and other things just like I do after a massive stroke. I wish mothers would realize the lifelong, devastating effects FAS causes during pregnancy. Although my situation isn’t due to that, I too was adopted and wasn’t aware of the family history, it was hereditary. I certainly feel his pain. Thankfully he is independent, I am inspired by his story.

Robbie you are a champion with a great attitude. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

You are here for a reason , you have a strong soul and good heart , stay strong brother.

My mother in law is a foster parent; her endless devotion and compassion for the children in her care brings me to tears. Those little ones can’t express how sad and scared and sick they feel - a lot of them have fetal alcohol or are born with severe drug addictions. To hear this young man express his journey is gut wrenching. I carry these participants around with me every day, some of them I think of at least once per day (Patrick, Norman, Bree to name a few that touched me and pop in to my head from time to time). Mark please take care of yourself; you’re carrying a lot of weight no doubt. Sending you love and light from Canada.

Most of us would die for our children, never ever put them in danger in the womb. This young man deserves the very best in life, and he certainly is a remarkable person.

Both the children (a boy and a girl) of one of our neighbors in a well off neighborhood where I grew up in Sweden 40 years ago was afflicted from constant alcohol abuse by both parents. Hasn't thought about it in a while, but this video brought it all back. Thank you for giving voice to the stricken.

It’s very admirable how he tries to have a good life, works and seems like a positive person. That takes strength and most people would be way more bitter about it. It really shows how important good parents are, the ppl who adopted him were amazing, you can tell.

Wonderful guy!!! Glad his parents loved him❤️

Robbie is a true inspiration to overcome the odds like he has and to so eloquently articulate his struggles and talk about what he has been through. Not only has he proven doctors and the general public wrong, but he has forgiven his biological family which is a lot more than I would have done. He could be holding grudges and letting it dictate his life, but he doesn't. We could all learn a lot from this dude.

The next time I find myself complaining about something petty, I am going to think of “Robbie.” What a trooper!

This is an incredible way to spread awareness. Thank you, Mark and Robbie.

Ah jeez that's sad but least he was adopted by a beautiful family. He's a fine looking lad with a good heart. I wish him the best of luck in life. Hi from the West of Ireland

This hurt my heart unlike any other video. The fact Walmart, such a huge corporation, couldn't accomodate, support, keep Robbie as an employee... is so upsetting. I have ADHD and was fired from a grocery store for being a little late (often just 2, 3 minutes) and knowing how much money these companies make but zero actual accomodations in place... is devastating really.

Robbie is an amazing person and always puts a smile on everyone he comes in contact with

We go through life in different ways.. today people complain when their cell phone has issues or someone gets mad at how someone drives. When we slow down and hear stories like this you come to the conclusion that everyday is a blessing. My man said it best when he said "God has a plan" that goes for who ever you believe in. Always have more good days then bad....

If you’re reading this Robbie, I just want to send you a hug. Hearing about your life and all you’ve been through is deeply saddening but you turn that sadness on it’s head with your positive and forgiving outlook on life. It’s truly inspiring. I’m going to try and be a bit kinder today. Thank you for the inspiration and positivity. Also, hug your parents for me, they sound like amazing loving people!

What a great guy. Inspiring and positive. Keep it up, Robbie!

The most painful thing to me is to hear stories like these, children being harmed, imagine not being able to breathe as a kid and having to have multiple surgeries just to breathe...its just evil - edit started crying about how he fears his parents passing away.. Adoptive parents like these are just wow the strongest people

Mark, this video was great for many reasons but mainly we get to see & hear from someone actually affected by alcohol abuse during pregnancy. It helps me to educate at work from a different perspective. I appreciate you & Robbie ❤️

This moved me to tears. I wish this man well. I texted both of my parents to tell them I am grateful for the wonderful parent they are. I am so lucky. My Mom and Dad raised me. They are still together and alive. I am so blessed.

Blessings to you Robbie and to your loving parents.

What a wonderful testimony! My grandmother used to say that if you think you have it bad, just look around because someone has it so much worse!!

I adopted my son at birth. He had fetal alcohol syndrome too. Sweet young man....you fought to be here. You belong Keep well

When he spokes positivite & mentioned God. It touch me. " I literally said out loud "yes u can, God got u." Please continue to be u, cuz ur such a nice speaker. Your putting good in the world, way MORE then u know. God bless you bro

I'm so glad he was given the love he deserved and needed as a child❤️

This speaks directly to my heart. I have experienced and am so familiar with so much of this content.. I also have a horrible history with psych meds, so many, adderall and Xanyx too, plus many others, only to get sicker time and time again. im so glad to be free from all of that going on 9 years. thank you Robbie so much for sharing this. you are a stronger example than many with a clean bill of health. thank you for sharing this Mark. I love your videos.

If I ever find myself in West Virginia again near Poca, I'm going to look Robbie up and take him for dinner. What a great dude.

God bless you Robbie🙏I had a good buddy in the 90’s who had fetal alcohol syndrome. Sadly he died of AIDS cos he was a hustler to make his bread. God does have a better plan for you man…I hope you can keep up the good fight. You are a somebody who matters and don’t forget it!

Thank you Robbie for sharing with us. My grandson has FASD and it’s a really difficult syndrome to navigate. I love him fiercely and I think that keeps him going. Unfortunately he fell into addictions which have made things difficult. Robbie you are an inspiration to all of us and yes, I too believe that God has a plan for you. Just imagine how many people you have helped by sharing your story and resilience. Thank you for your honesty. May the Good Lord bless you and keep you safe always…❤️😊🙏🏼

My brother has FAS, it mostly effected his brain, he was diagnosed with Mental Retardation (that was the actual diagnosis, don't come for me), at 8 years old and it still effects him today. He's never worked, took after our mom and lives on the streets, he's never even had a state ID. He's in bad health, and refuses to talk to anyone in the family. thinking of him breaks my heart, ive always wanted to help him but he won't help himself even when given the opportunity. This man is actually functional, good for him living his life! I always wanted that for my brother ❤

This man is a hero, beautiful soul.

Hi thanks for this story , I was born in Costa Rica and also am FAS . I was adopted thankfully I was adopted

Bless you man, and your adoptive parents too. You're a cool dude.

These hit hard. Robbie is such an inspiring person. Such a positive outlook for someone who has been dealt a terrible hand. Mark, send him to a concert!!

God bless you, Robbie - you're amazing. A survivor and a winner.

What a humbling interview that was with Robbie.. The cards he was dealt in life were rough, but he's an inspiration and is doing his level best it seams. These interviews are fascinating and humbling Mark, a platform for people from all walks of life to share their deepest troubles and lives with us strangers. i have been quick to judge in the past, but not now,.. Keep up the good work. All the best.

Inspiring to me. I have a lot of health problems which get me down, this guy's attitude is brilliant. Best wishes to you Robbie 💗

Robbie, you're a fighter and a survivor, and there's a reason why you're still here. You're an inspiration to everyone, especially those fighting fetal alcohol syndrome. Perhaps some day you will become an advocate for others going through the same thing. It's heartwarming to hear you have a wonderful family. I wish you all the best.

Bless up Robbie, you are a strong man.

Thank you for educating us today, Robbie.💙

Dude you are awesome! Keep the faith, remember the ones that love you and you love. Life is good dude

Mark you inspired me to start to finally write my autobiography, I'm 17 pages in and I hope to help others the way that you do one day bro.

By far my favorite guy you have interviewed so far. Robbie, you are amazing

Wow. This guy is so inspirational. I just want to offer him my friend ship. He is a good person who deserves to have good people in his life. Keep up the great attitude man!

He was a kind hearted man in a hateful world and he caught everything that life ever hurled Like the oldest mountain he always stood so tall Forever showing what it means to be unbreakable

Hang in there buddy. You’re stronger than most, and your spirit is inspiring.

My favourite video yet, and I have watched them all. Thank you very much for sharing your story Robbie. And thank you Mark for shedding light on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Spectrum Disorders. This one hits home for me as my mum was also an alcoholic who drank whilst pregnant. I’m guessing she must have stopped drinking at just the right time to stop damage occurring. Really enjoyed this video, very inspirational ❤️

“God has a better plan for me” ain’t that right my man ain’t that right

I cant watch this one, heart breaking. Keep posting interviews they are a gift to humanity. Everyone should be watching to open there eyes and see all human stories

Robbie you’re an incredible man. Glad you made it through everything.

This is definitely one of the best ones I've seen so far and watched all the way through, such a good all around dude.

Robbie is a wonderful volunteer for our local Challenger Baseball Team and also a photography assistant for our local sled hockey team.

I mentioned that before in other comments, that Soft White Underbelly interviews became very repetitive, but this - this is really good and heart touching interview. All the best Robbie!

What an awesome young man! His parents should be so proud of him

Boy I'm going to listen to your advise..Things will always get better..Watching your Interview has really made listen and know we all are here for a purpose...Your interview is great.

Keep your head up Robbie. Thank you for sharing your story. God bless you.

God Bless You, I’m in admiration of your strength and beauty!!! ☀️💓

I love you, Robbie. You’re really an inspiration. You took a terrible start in life and just turned it around in the very best way that you could. I hope you hang onto that positive attitude and realize you can do just about anything you want with the wonderful outlook you have. Thanks for sharing your life with us. ❤️

I just found this channel recently and in a way I genuinely love it on a filmmakers level. I have loved everything about film ever since I was little and these videos show me the filmmaker I wish I could be. These are the side of things people don't often think about. These interviews are always unbiased and well conducted and the videos show us life in it's full capacity. Absolutely live changing to be able to hear the stories of those you'd never think you would.

Hang in there, Robbie. Thanks for sharing. Best wishes to you and your family. I’ll say a prayer that God continues helping other through your kind words and testimony in this video. 🙏

What a strong positive young man. Thank you Robbie for sharing your story. Best wishes to you.

His adaptive parents seem to have been sent to him by angels.