Down syndrome is a condition that people are born with, it is a genetic disorder that causes Developmental delays and Intellectual disabilities caused when abnormal cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. Over 6000 babies in the world are born with Down syndrome and more people should be aware of it in order to be able to work on it’s treatment. Down Syndrome shows changes in facial appearance (flattened face, small head), intellectual disability (language delayed, memory affected) and developmental delays. It cannot be treated completely but the effects can be reduced through self-care, therapies, devices.
Many people around us are struggling through this and yet, they have fought through it trying to contribute towards the society. It can be tough to deal with any illness, let alone, achieve something big in life but many people have done it which is just commendable. Let’s take a look at some inspiring people who have been contributing towards the development of our society.
Pablo Pineda
Pablo Pineda is from Málaga, Spain, and has starred in the 2009 film “Yo, también”. He is the first European actor with Down Syndrome to get a University degree. He graduated university with a degree in teaching. He has gone on to teach following his performance in the film. He played the role of a person who is a University graduate with Down Syndrome much like his own life. He is been an inspiration to many people with Disabilities in Barcelona and he said to them,
“I always say I am Pablo Pineda and that I have Down’s syndrome. There is a big difference between ‘having’ and ‘being.’ ‘Being’ can crush you down and ‘having’ shows it is only one feature.”
Isabella Springmuhl Tajeda
She is the first Fashion Designer with Down Syndrome to have her work showcased at London Fashion Week. Isabella has been inspiring many through her passion for art and successful career while fighting the syndrome. In 2016, she made it to ‘BBC’s 100 Women List’ and Tejada has a fashion line called Down To Xjabelle and her garments are available for purchase on her website. She mentioned in her BBC moment, “My family always told me I was like anybody else — I just had an extra chromosome. Sometimes it took me longer to learn, but I did it.”
Sujeet Desai
Sujeet Desai has mastered seven instruments: Bb and bass clarinet, alto saxophone, violin, piano, trumpet, and drums. He is the first musician with Down Syndrome to play at the Carnegie Hall and plays seven instruments. He is a living inspiration for many and He has won many awards, including the Achievement Award on United Nations International Day of Disabled Persons, the World Down Syndrome Day Award from Down Syndrome International, and the Thank You Award from Special Needs Families Developmental Center in Dubai. While celebrating World Down Syndrome Day in 2016, he said,
“Each impossible mission can be made possible if you put your mind to it and work hard without giving up.”
Chelsea Werner
She is a four time US National Championships winner in Gymnastics at the Special Olympics. Her story is inspiring as well. She went from having little physical movement to competing at the Special Olympics. She was told that she won’t be able to walk until she was nearly 2 years old, and was initially told she would always have low muscle tone. And she clearly proved them wrong. Following her win, she decided to start modelling, and has since been on the cover of Teen Vogue and walked at New York Fashion Week. She said in her interview with Forbes,
“I’m a very positive person and don’t see things as limitations. I’m pretty stubborn and work very hard. The way my parents raised me really made me feel good about myself.”
Zack Gottsagen
Zack became the first Oscar Presenter with Down Syndeome which is aspiring in every way. Gottsagen has starred in multiple films, but “The Peanut Butter Falcon” is his best known to date. He made history when he and his co-star, Shia LaBeouf, presented the Oscar for Best Live-Action Short Film in February. In an interview with the UK’s Channel 4, LaBeouf said Gottsagen’s brutal honesty is what brought him back from a time he described as “twisted” following a string of alcohol-related arrests.
There have been many inspirations like them amongst us who have fought through and made it big so it is highly essential to appreciate such living legends for contributing towards the society. Let’s be more aware about things that have been existing and never fail to acknowledge what needs to be acknowledged.
If you have more thoughts on the topic or something different and would like to share them with us, write to us and get featured on BeStorified.
Raise awareness about various disabilities via our marquee track CauseAChatter here.
