Barack Obama surprises mother of disabled child with heartfelt Instagram comment

(Getty Images)

Barack Obama has given one mother the shock of a lifetime by responding to an Instagram post in which she thanked the former president for his healthcare policies.

Natalie Weaver’s daughter, Sophia, was born with deformities to her face, hands and feet. At the age of one, she was diagnosed with the neurological disorder Rett syndrome, which impairs brain development.

Weaver, who is an active campaigner for healthcare and human rights, thanked Obama on social media for launching the Affordable Care Act (AKA) – or widely known as Obamacare – in 2010, which helps protect children like hers who have pre-existing medical conditions.

“I was overcome w/ emotion as I stood in front of the @barackobama painting w/ Sophia [sic],” writes Weaver in a caption below a photograph of her and her 10-year-old daughter. In the photo, the pair are stood in front of the DNC Mural: Obama Vote, created by Shepard Fairey, that is currently on display at The Mint Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“I explained that he is the President who fought for her to have healthcare despite being born w/ many #PreExistingConditions & why she’s alive today which is why I fought so hard for 2 yrs to protect pre-existing condition protections,” Weaver added.

Five days after Weaver posted the image, Obama commented: “It wasn’t just me fighting for the ACA, Natalie, it was millions of people like you. Thanks for everything you’re doing for Sophia and many others.” Obama’s comment has garnered more than 360 likes thus far.

Weaver responded with a follow-up post a day later, writing: “Well, this was unexpected. It’s not every day that @barackobama ends up in your comment section! Thank you for your kind message. I’m so proud of the impact #SweetSophia has had on this world.”