10 People Who Are Extra Special
It's time to shine a spotlight on these people who are amazing despite their unique circumstances. They're an inspiration to us all.
Let's get started!
1. Bendix Diner's Blind Waiter Inspires Customers
Meet John Diakakis, the blind waiter at the famous, Bendix Diner, located in New Jersey. When customers are being served, they often aren't aware that John is even blind - that's how incredible his service is! This video gives you a taste of the fine service he has been serving up for years at his family restaurant.
To learn more about John and the Bendix Diner, click here.
2. Triple Amputee War Vet's Love For Music Saved His Life
Meet Juan Dominquez, a veteran who lost both legs and his right arm from an IED explosion in Afghanistan where he served. This never stopped him from pursuing his love of music. If you like him on the trumpet, wait till you hear his drums and guitar in this video.
To see what else Juan has been up to recently, click here.
3. Armless Painter, Inspirational Speaker and Creative Writer!
Rosie Jon is an award winning artist who paints with her feet. Not only is her work incredible, but her amazing poise and inspiring life will leave you in awe in this video, while motivating others to be extraordinary rather than ordinary.
To learn more about Rosie's artwork on her website click here.
4. Don't Limit This Actress, Model, Spokesperson and Entrepreneur!
Megan Bomgaars starred in the A & E show, Born This Way, and began making a household name for herself as well raising awareness about the Down Syndrome Community. She now travels across the country giving keynote speeches on not being limited. Here in this video, she is at the 22nd Annual "Buddy Walk" run by the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress. Currently, Meg runs a variety of businesses including a cosmetics company, Artpop, and a clothing line, Megology. There's no stopping her from achieving her dreams!
Check out Meg's clothing line that helps support research for Down Syndrome here.
5. Barely Breathing Ballerina Will Take Your Breath Away
Can a ballerina still perform when her body is stocked with robot parts? The answer is yes. Meet Bailey Anne Vincent, a ballerina with cystic fibrosis and ciliary dyskinesia. You can see in this video, she claims her portacath makes her dance better. She also runs her very own performing arts company, Company 360, that inspires others to dance.
To learn more about Bailey, follow her instagram here.
6. Autistic Fitness Center Helps Members Be Happy and Healthy!
Adam and Dedra Leapley created the ASD Fitness Center, a gym for individuals with Autism, to provide the specific activities and programs for their autistic son's needs. In this video, you can see they help children all over their area to work out, stay healthy, and have fun!
Learn about the incredible work done by ASD Fitness Center on their website here.
7. Cerebral Palsy Will Not Stop Mother-Daughter Racing Team
There is no better Mother-Daughter duo than Arianna Tanghe, a 14-year-old with Cerebral Palsy, and her mother. Together, the duo have completed 13 half marathons! Race days give Ari a special thrill as the pair reaches new milestones. Watch in this video as they race to the finish line at the Napa Silverado Half-Marathon.
Learn more about #TeamAri here!
8. Wheelchair Tennis Champion Rolling Into History
David Wagner is a celebrated champion in the tennis world. Despite being paralyzed from the mid-chest down, he has continued to play tennis and in this video, watch as he becomes the #1 wheelchair tennis player in the world.
Learn more about our favorite tennis player here.
9. Amputee Cheerleader Takes Self-Acceptance To New Heights
Cheerleading "lib-erates" Patience Beard, an amputee Division 1 athlete at University of Arkansas. She doesn't let her limitation keep her from flying. In this video, watch her embrace who she is and how her zebra leg is a part of her!
To learn more about Patience's journey, click here.
10. Mommy Starts Clothing Line to Honor Her Son With Down Syndrome
Eli Sullivan, a child with Down Syndrome, inspired his photographer mother, Michelle, to create a clothing line with uplifting messages that raise money for those with Down Syndrome. Watch Eli in this video, light up every room he walks into. Through Little Warrior, the message is always to spread joy, awareness, and inclusion.
Check our more of Eli and his mother's adventure's on the blog, The Little Warrior.
And on that note, happy friday everyone! Until next time!
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