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Down Syndrome

Actor With Down Syndrome Inspires ‘People With Disabilities’ By Starring Pure Flix Series

by Rhoda Gayle March 24, 2023

An actor with Down Syndrome is inspiring “people with disabilities” by starring in a new Pure Flix series.

Actor with Down Syndrome

Cole Sibus is a 24-year-old actor with Down Syndrome who knew early in his life that he wanted to become an actor. He didn’t let his condition stop him from pursuing his God-given dream. In 2018, he first landed a role in the film “Spare Room.” His second project was the 2019-2020 ABC series “Stumptown.”

In an interview with Christian Headlines, Cole shared the reason why he wanted to become a successful actor.

“I want to inspire people with disabilities to accomplish their dreams as well,” he said.

Cole Sibus [@colesibus]. A Thousand Tomorrows. Instagram, March 23, 2023, https://www.instagram.com/p/CqIvOqBJVq8/

Cole Sibus

Today, he is starring in the new series “A Thousand Tomorrows”, as someone with Down Syndrome. The series currently being streamed on Pure Flix is based on a Kingsbury novel. It is about a cowboy who fell in love with a female barrel racer who faced major trials in life. Rose Reid and Colin Ford will be playing the lead roles.

“I get to work with Colin Ford,” he said. “He was my favorite actor growing up. As a kid, I watched his film “We Bought a Zoo”. … And now we’re together, working together.”

Cole will be playing the role of the cowboy’s brother who is a Christian.

“We are alike,” he said of his character, Carl Joseph. “Because I’m a Christian, and he’s a Christian as well.”

When asked about the message this series wanted to convey to its viewers, Cole said that it’s about God being with us.

“God is there for you and He will always support you to keep going in life.”

“A Thousand Tomorrows” is a series about faith, love, strength, and overcoming trials.

Reference: Christian Headlines
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March 24, 2023 0 comment

Articles

Father With Down Syndrome Raises A Doctor

by Rhoda Gayle March 3, 2022

written by Rhoda Gayle

Father with Down Syndrome proves all the stereotypes about the illness wrong by raising his son to be a doctor.

Down Syndrome

The common misbelief about people with Down Syndrome is that they can’t have a family of their own and raise their own child. However, the truth is, many people with Down Syndrome can become parents to their children just as most people do. That’s just what Jad Issa proved to everyone with his inspiring story.

Jad was born with Down Syndrome in Syria. While working in a local wheat mill, he met a woman, and soon they fell in love with each other. They got married and shortly after, they gave birth to a son and named him Sader.

The father with Down Syndrome took care of his son and showered him with all the love that he had. He was able to raise his son just like any other loving dad. Sader even remembers feeling very loved as he grew up. He often spent time with his father playing all sorts of games.

Photo courtesy| Instagram | saderissa

Jad Issa

With big dreams for his son, Jad continued to work in the wheat mill and started saving up for Sader’s college. He did all he could to support his family in all aspects. Sader was inspired by his father’s hard work and love, so he also gave his best to do good in academics and became a doctor.

“I think I would’ve been much less excited about life and much less passionate about what I do if I didn’t have my special father,” Sader wrote alongside a photo with his dad.

Today, Sader is now a dentist, one of the most high-paying jobs in Syria. Jad is so proud of his son. This father and son duo is inspiring the world with its extraordinary story.

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Reference: Bright Side

March 3, 2022 0 comment

President walks with little girl with down syndrome

Articles

Bullied Girl With Down Syndrome Supported By Her Nation’s President

by Christel Berns February 16, 2022

written by Christel Berns

President of North Macedonia sparked international applause after going out of his way to personally encourage the bullied little girl with down syndrome.

Bullied Little Girl With Down Syndrome

The 11-year-old, Embla Ademi, suffered from bullying and discrimination in her school because of her condition. She has down syndrome, and the President of North Macedonia took notice after some parents purportedly complained about her presence in a classroom with their kids.

After hearing what happened, President Stevo Pendarovski visited the little girl and her family to listen to her story. He wanted to comfort the little girl and acknowledge her importance in society.

Walking Hand In Hand

According to WICD-TV, the president also personally escorted Embla to school on Feb.7. The captured photo revealed the two walking hand-in-hand in Gostivar City on the way to the school with her family.

President Stevo Pendraovski of North Macedonia has personally escorted Embla Ademi, an 11-year-old girl with Down’s syndrome, to school after hearing she was being bullied. pic.twitter.com/aFwlUdUEFp

— Megha Mohan (@meghamohan) February 11, 2022

The president said, “We are all equal in this society. I came to give my support and to raise awareness that inclusion is a basic principle.”

Further, President Stevo stresses that harming kids’ rights, especially those with disabilities, are unacceptable. He also stated that everyone should feel “equal and welcome” at school.

“It is our obligation, as a state. But also as individuals, and the key element in this common mission is empathy,” he said, Sky News reported.

President Stevo wanted to send a clear message to those watching how to treat those like Embla. We shouldn’t make them feel outcast. But instead, everyone should show them kindness and make them feel they belong. And he is hoping that what he did would have a lasting impact.

FIRST MAN WITH DOWN SYNDROME TO FINISH IRONMAN TRIATHLON CREDITS GOD FOR ACCOMPLISHMENT

“It will help children like Embla,” he remarked. “But it will also help us learn from them how to sincerely rejoice, share and be in solidarity.”

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” -John 15:12-13

Reference: Faithwire

February 16, 2022 0 comment

Articles

First Man With Down Syndrome To Finish Ironman Triathlon Credits God For Accomplishment

by Rhoda Gayle November 19, 2020

written by Rhoda Gayle

The first man with Down Syndrome who made history after completing the Ironman Triathlon is crediting God for his accomplishment.

Chris Nikic

On November 7, Chris Nikic made history after being the first person with Down Syndrome to finish the challenging Ironman Triathlon. Guinness World Records acknowledged his achievement after he finished a 3.8 km swim, a 180 km bike, and a 42 km marathon run.

Ironman triathlon is an annual competition in Panama City Beach, Florida. It is considered one of the most challenging competitions in the world and only a few runners complete each year. However, with his determination, Chris made it to the finish line despite the difficulties he faced during the race.

“Ironman. Goal set and achieve,” said Nikic in a post to Instagram. “Time to set a new and Bigger Goal for 2021.”

Down Syndrome

The 21-year-old will be using the money he won for raising awareness for Down Syndrome and Special Olympics. On his Instagram post, he also credited God for his achievement, saying that God surrounded him with angels.

“Yes, I did the work but I had angels helping me. God surrounded me with Angels,” he added.

Ironman triathlon

The Ironman company also acknowledged Chris on their Facebook page.

“Chris Nikic, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN,” Ironman company wrote on their Facebook post. “Congratulations Chris on becoming the first person with Down syndrome to finish an IRONMAN. You have shattered barriers while proving without a doubt that Anything is Possible!”

Chris was grateful to finish the Ironman triathlon because he was able to raise awareness for Down Syndrome in his own ways. He even invited everyone to help him with his cause.

“If you want to support my mission for Down Syndrome and Special Olympics go to my website www.ChrisNikic.com because 100 percent of the donations go to my charities. I achieved my goal and now I want to help others like me.”

Reference: Christian Headlines

November 19, 2020 0 comment

Articles

U.S. President Calls People With Down Syndrome As People ‘Created In The Image Of God’

by Rhoda Gayle October 5, 2020

written by Rhoda Gayle

As Down Syndrome month kicked-off last Thursday, the U.S. President issued a statement calling people with Down Syndrome as people who were “created in the image of God.”

Down Syndrome Awareness Month

In the 1980s, the month of October was designated as Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Since then, the annual celebration is observed to “raise public awareness about the condition and advocate for acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.”

According to statistics of the Special Olympics, over 400,000 Americans are currently living with the condition. And about 6,000 babies are being born with the condition every year in the U.S.

Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome is a result of an extra chromosome in the human body. As a result, people with the condition often have a flat facial profile, decreased muscle tone or loose joints, and small structures. They usually have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

However, people with the condition can function successfully. They also have dreams and goals and can even live a normal life.

“They can drive, go to work, go to college, go on dates, get married and contribute to society,” the Special Olympics pointed out in a statement.

“Created in the image of God”

As the Down Syndrome Awareness Month 2020 kicks off , the U.S. President Donald Trump issued a statement emphasizing their importance to the society. He even described them as people who were created in the image of God.

“As our society progresses toward a more inclusive future, there are still those who pass judgment on which lives are worth living,” President Trump said in the statement. “As President, I denounce radical proposals to terminate pregnancies of unborn children with Down syndrome. Our Nation will continue to emphatically affirm the self-evident idea that all children — born and unborn — are created in the image of God, are worthy of life and deserve to be loved.”

Reference: The Christian Post

October 5, 2020 0 comment

Articles

Assistant Principal Gets On Ground To Comfort Student With Special Needs

by Christel Berns March 9, 2020

written by Christel Berns

An 8-year-old student with special needs from Garfield Elementary School in Marion, Ohio threw a tantrum, so the Assistant Principal got down to his level just to comfort him.

In a Facebook post by Steph Compton, she wrote, “I absolutely LOVE this… LJ’s school has a new assistant principal this year… Mr. Smith… apparently LJ was having a “moment” and he got down on his level to help him out ❤️”

According to Inspire More’s report, LJ Compton has Down syndrome. He is said to belong in the autism spectrum.

Facebook | Steph Compton

A Rough Day For The Little Guy

The little boy had a rough day when the school’s afternoon bus arrived late. And as a result, he got down on the ground and threw a fit.

LJ’s mom, Steph, also revealed in the post, “This is why even though we live across town… LJ still goes to Garfield!!!”

Apparently, LJ lives across the town. They actually live closer to another school. However, she chose Garfield Elementary School “because of the care and attention their staff has always shown her son.” She described LJ as a happy little guy who almost always painted a smile on his face. But there were times that he gets overwhelmed and finds it hard to process his feelings.

And thankfully, during that afternoon that she was not around to comfort her son, someone took her place. Surprisingly, it was the school’s Assistant Principal!

Facebook | Steph Compton

Kindness Of The Assistant Principal

The mother plainly had no idea what happened. Until she saw a picture of her son posted by a student aide. Amber McKinniss commented, “I just had to snap a picture. It was the most amazing thing I’ve seen!”

John Smith, the longtime teacher, and newest Assistant Principal was captured laying on the pavement next to LJ. He was patiently comforting the little guy without hesitation in that dirt and all. The incredible educator went to his student’s level just to get through to his heart!

Soon enough, the photo went viral. John was commended for his dedication to providing a safe place for every child in their school.

“Mr. Smith was the best teacher,” one person commented. “So glad he carries that with him as a principal! Such a great guy!”

And another said, “Mr. Smith is one of my favorite teachers. He’s the best.”

“It’s really awesome to know from a parent’s standpoint that there are people that care that much about your child,” Steph applauded the teacher’s kindness.

Source: Inspire More

March 9, 2020 0 comment

Articles

Little Girl With Down Syndrome Steals The Runway During A Fashion Show

by Rhoda Gayle December 4, 2019

written by Rhoda Gayle

A little girl with Down syndrome charmed everyone as she steals the catwalk during a fashion show in Malta.

Francesca Rausi

Francesca Rausi was all smiles when she walked down the runway during a fashion show for differently-abled individuals. As a 4-years-old she shared the runway with Australian model Madeline Stuart. 23-year-old, Madeline, is the world’s first model with Down syndrome.

Francesca’s mother hopes she will be as successful as Madeline in the modeling industry. Her hope is that her daughter will help raise awareness about Down syndrome.

“Francesca has been modeling since she was very young,” Michelle, Francesca’s mother, said.

While on the runway, Francesca owned the stage and charmed everyone with her lovely smiles. She seems to enjoy what she’s doing and is very comfortable modeling.

“She loves it and was the first toddler in Malta to take part in a modeling competition and won junior top model,” Michelle added.

Fashion show for differently-abled models

Tiziana Randisi organized the fashion show for differently-abled models in an effort to create inclusion.

“Our goal is to create a real inclusion, trying to involve all the different disabilities by breaking down the mental barriers of those who see disability as a limit,” Tiziana said. “Instead we see it and live as a resource and a wealth to share.”

The first fashion show happened last year. It was so successful, another fashion show is organized for this year. This year’s fashion show will feature 22 models with different disabilities and includes ages ranging from four to 24-years-old.

Society is acknowledging and accepting differently-abled individuals. It means so much to the families of these models and the models themselves. This event gives people who are usually shunned by society an opportunity to show what they can do. Moreover, it also brings them so much joy.

“I feel very emotional watching her because I see happiness in her eyes. It’s out of this world,” Michelle said.

Reference: Metro

December 4, 2019 0 comment

Articles

Couple With Down Syndrome Gets Married After Overcoming The Odds

by Rhoda Gayle November 13, 2019

written by Rhoda Gayle

A couple with down syndrome is married during a beautiful ceremony and overcomes the odds.

Couple with Down Syndrome

Kieran Duffy, 26, and Emmie Houckham, 21, were both born with down syndrome. Their condition left them spending most of their lives being told what they can’t do. But they haven’t let down syndrome stop them. Furthermore, they are proving any doubters wrong.

The couple met six years ago at a camp for people with special needs and were instantly drawn to each other. From there, the relationship between the two grew through ups and downs.

“I’m Your Man”

On Boxing Day of 2016, Kieran proposed to the love of his life! Kieran serenaded Emmie with Wham’s classic “I’m Your Man” then got down on one knee. While holding a pink and sapphire ring, Kieran popped the question. Emmie happily said “yes” to the young man’s proposal.

“They are no different to any other young couple,” Tessa, Kieran’s mom, said.

The wedding day

On August 26 of this year, they finally tied the knot during a beautiful wedding ceremony. The couple personally planned almost every detail of the wedding, from the table decoration and the songs. They exchanged vows and encouraged guests to have fellowship with everyone.

The couple chose songs that were meaningful to them to be played on their wedding day. Songs included Elvis Presley’s “The Wonder Of You,” and Adelle’s “Make You Feel My Love”.

Match made in heaven

Tessa revealed how perfect the two for each other are.

“They really compliment each other well. Say if they go out to a restaurant they’ve not been to before, Kieran might struggle to read the menu, whereas Emmie would be able to do so fluently,” she said. “But if they needed to ask for help, for example, Kieran has more confidence, so he wouldn’t be afraid to do that. They’ve got a really lovely relationship – it’s not a game for them, it’s real.”

They are truly a match made in Heaven!

Reference: Mail On Sunday

November 13, 2019 0 comment

Video

Man With Down Syndrome Proves Stereotypes Wrong

by Rhoda Gayle October 21, 2019

written by Rhoda Gayle

A man with down syndrome proves all the stereotypes about him wrong by raising a son who is now 21.

People expect those with down syndrome to be dependent on other people their entire lives. They often believe they can’t achieve anything at all. But recently, stories of successful people with this condition have been brought to the limelight to inspire everyone! This includes a Syrian dad who proved that people with down syndrome can raise a child.

Man with Down Syndrome

The 21-years-old Sader Issa revealed how his dad, who has down syndrome, has worked hard to provide a normal life for him. He shared in an Instagram post how his dad has been a good husband and father for their family.

“Keeping a career for more than 25 years. Being a husband for 23 years. Supporting your kid and being a dad for 21 years. These things are surely not easy to achieve, couldn’t be prouder of you,” the third-year dentistry student wrote.

Sader’s father, Jad, worked in a wheat factory to provide for his family in hopes of giving his son a normal life. Jad is well-loved and respected by everyone in their community because of his unconditional love for them.

Proud father and son

Jad has always been proud to have a son, that will soon be a doctor. Moreover, Sader is also proud to have him as his father.

“If I could choose who my father is, I wouldn’t think of someone else and I’m proud of him the same way he is proud of me,” Sader said.

View this post on Instagram

???????????? #savedownsyndrome #savedownsyndromeambassador

A post shared by Sader Issa||صادر عيسى (@saderissa) on Jul 11, 2019 at 4:56am PDT

Every life matters

Jad’s life proves that people with down syndrome can live a normal life and can raise a family of their own. He shows that every life matters and was created by God for a purpose.

“For many people, the idea of a woman being pregnant with a down syndrome baby may be the worst scenario. You can expect a possible number of people that will resort to abortion. If my grandmother was convinced of this idea, I wouldn’t be here with you,” Sader said.

متلازمة الحب - مصياف - مركز بيت العيلة -الجمعية السورية للتنمية الاجتماعية

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Reference: Mothership

October 21, 2019 0 comment

Articles Faith

Chelsea Werner Defies Down Syndrome Stereotypes

by GOD TV August 13, 2019

written by GOD TV

Chelsea Werner is an award-winning gymnast with Down syndrome who has defied all stereotypes by entering the world of fashion modeling.

Down syndrome

Chelsea was born with Down syndrome and was unable to walk until she was almost 2-years-old. When she was young, doctors told her that she would have low muscle tone.

Yet she proved them wrong by becoming an award-winning gymnast!

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder and is typically associated with physical growth delays and mild to moderate intellectual disability.

Chelsea as an athlete

View this post on Instagram

“SMELL THE SEA AND FEEL THE SKY LET YOUR SOUL AND SPIRIT FLY” Van Morrison

A post shared by Chelsea Werner (@showtimewerner) on Jul 25, 2019 at 1:11pm PDT

Having Down Syndrome didn’t stop Chelsea from becoming an incredible gymnast. As she started to train for gymnastics, her coaches treated her like any other trainee. Her mother Lisa was even amazed by how fast Chelsea was improving.

“Every step of the way we were shocked. We just never knew she’d take it to the level she has,” Lisa said in an interview.

Chelsea has won the Special Olympics United States National Championship four times and the World Championship twice.

“I’ve been doing gymnastics for as long as I can remember,” Chelsea stated. “I fell like it’s always been a part of my life. I think gymnastics has trained me to be disciplined and to work hard. In gymnastics, each new skill takes a very long time – sometimes years! I think that it has given me confidence.”

Chelsea as a model

After her breakthrough as an athlete, Chelsea is again breaking through in another field!

The award-winning athlete has begun modeling for H&M.

Since 2016, Chelsea has been on the cover of Teen Vogue, worked in New York Fashion Week and traveled around the world for big-brand campaigns.

When asked about how it feels being a role model, she says “I love it! Many times I hear it from parents of young children. If I can help give anyone hope that makes me very happy and proud!”

Gymnast With Down Syndrome Defies Doctors | BORN DIFFERENT

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Reference: Forbes, Live Action and Facebook | Born Different

August 13, 2019 1 comment

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