World Down Syndrome Day 2015 | The Impossibles | Orange County Motivational Inspirational Public Speaker

My son is 2 years old.

30 years ago in CA, my boy would have been denied lifesaving procedures; and, if he survived to his current age, would likely have been forced into an inhumane mental institution and sterilized

…because he has Down Syndrome.

And because “too much was impossible” for people like him.

But, today, people with Down Syndrome are breaking world records, making possible what was once thought impossible for them.

In celebration of World Down Syndrome Day (3/21), we’d like to honor the heroes, the record breakers,

THE IMPOSSIBLES

Within the past two years, the following records have been broken for people with Down Syndrome.

Note: These adorable toddlers have modeled in honor of these record breakers but are not photos of the actual people themselves.

1st Magna Cum Laude College Graduate (Never in Special Education) | Ezra Roy

Mother left at 2. Raised by his single father. Ezra does not have strong speech.

And yet.

For the first time in world history, Ezra Roy graduated college in 2014 without ever having taken special education. Oh, and, by the way, he graduated Magna Cum Laude.

“Anybody out there who doesn’t believe in God. This is the testament. Who’d have thought when this little boy was born that this would happen? How far he’s come.”

– Alvin Roy

Read Ezra Roy’s story here. Follow his and his father’s artwork gallery Royal Grafix here.

1st MMA Fighter | Garrett Holeve (“G-Money”)

Despite having rheumatoid arthritis and a 3rd grade reading level, “G-Money” worked hard to become the world’s 1st MMA Fighter with Down Syndrome. It has been an uphill battle to be given the right to compete. But he and his supporters have fought for Florida to give him the right to compete in 2015.

Garrett’s father, Mitch Holeve, shared with me a quote that their family lives by:

“To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing it’s best day and night to make you like everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.”

– E.E. Cummings

Words of wisdom from G-Money himself about how to treat people with Down Syndrome:

“Just treat them like a regular person/kid. Don’t treat them any differently.”

– G-Money

Read G-Money’s story here. Follow Garrett’s journey or take a class from him here.

would you help Garrett’s Fight for others?

Garrett’s Fight, the foundation in honor of G-Money, is raising money to open a gym for adaptive athletes where Garrett and Mitch can help other athletes like G-money train in functional fitness classes and kickboxing therapy programs. In honor of World Down Syndrome Day, they are asking if you would donate $21 and ask/share this with 3 friends. Their fundraiser is available here. Please spread the word!

1st Restaurant Owner & Entrepreneur | Tim Harris

Voted Homecoming King and Student of the Year at his high school, Tim already had a dream of owning his own restaurant. Graduating with a certificate in Food Service, Office Skills and Restaurant Hosting, Tim opened up his own restaurant with the help of his family in 2010: Tim’s Place.

It’s tagline to this day: “Open daily, serving breakfast, lunch, and hugs.”

“I am here to tell you that dreams come true.”

– Tim Harris

Read Tim’s story or visit his restaurant and get a hug here!

1st Model at New York Fashion Week | Jamie Brewer

Star in American Horror Story. Activist who helped abolish the word “retarded” from Texas state legislation.

And now 1st person with Down Syndrome to model at the fabulous New York Fashion Week with designer Carrie Hammer.

I’ve been blessed to talk with this beautiful girl. She will win your heart when you meet her.

She shared this inspiration with us:

“When I was young, my family always encouraged me to reach my goals. I keep believing in myself to try anything…be inspired everyday while inspiring others. Always listen to your heart and follow your dreams.

Jamie Brewer❤️”

Read Jamie’s story here or follow her on Twitter here!

1st New York City Marathon Runner | Jimmy Jenson

Started running at 36. Lost 69 pounds. Then, by 48, completed the prestigious New York City Marathon in 2013.

As he encountered runners about to give up during the marathon, he encouraged them to continue with:

“If I’m not going to quit, you’re not going to quit either!”

– Jimmy Jenson

Read Jimmy’s story here.

Read about the 1st woman with Down Syndrome marathon runner here.

1st Military Man | Elad Gevandshnaider

His diagnosis disqualified him from serving but Elad volunteered to serve anyway.

One officer in the Israel military service shared about including individuals with Down Syndrome:

“We are not doing them a favor. They make many contributions, and their parents also are very proud.”

Read Elad’s story here.

1st Fashion Designer | Ashley DeRamus

From the United Nations to around the world, Ashley DeRamus has been a powerful advocate and ambassador for people with Down Syndrome, running her own non-profit organization.

In 2013, she launched “Ashley by Design”, clothing especially tailored for females with Down Syndrome.

She lives by a powerful quote she shares at every event:

“Don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do. Show them what you can do.“

– Ashley DeRamus

Read Ashley’s story here.

more record breakers

We’ve kept an up-to-date list of what people with Down Syndrome can now do that people once thought were impossible. They can be an:

Actor or Actress in a Hit TV Show (Chris Burke & Lauren Potter)
Apparel Designer (Andrew Banar)
Army/military (Elad Gevandschnaider)
Artist (Judith Scott)
Author (Kellie Greenwald)
Ballerina (Aline Favaro)
Brother or sister
Business Owner (Joe Steffy)
Climber on Mt. Everest (Eli Reimer)
College graduate (Pablo Pineda) with NO special education classes (Ezra Roy)
Dancer (Thalia Arbelaez)
DJ (William Pestolesi)
Driver (Jay Nothnagle)
Entrepreneur (Maria Reyes Mermeladas)
Fashion Designer (Ashley DeRamus)
Homecoming King & Queen (Travjuan “Bubba” Hunter & Semone Adkins)
Homeowner (William Pestolesi)
Live Independently (William Pestolesi)
In love (Erica Davis)
Magna Cum Laude (Ezra Roy)
Marathon Runner (Antoinette Mendoza)
Married (Monica & David)
MMA Fighter (Garret Holeve – G Money)
Model at New York’s Fashion Week
Non-Profit Founder and Leader (Dr. Karen Gaffney)
Older (80 years old) (Joyce Greenman)
Parents
Ph. D. (Dr. Karen Gaffney)
Photographer (Oliver Hellowell)
Physically Fit
Pianist (Akihito Ochi)
Power Lifter (Jonathan Stoklosa)
Prom King
Reader
Restaurant owner (Tim Harris)
Clear speaker
Able to speak for themselves (Megan Bomgaars)
Self Advocate (Christopher A. Hunnicutt)
Student in a typical school (Ezra Roy)
Swimmer
TED Talks Speaker (Karen Gaffney)
Typography professional (Anna Vives)
Unhappy
Valedictorian (Brina Kei Masangkay Maxino)
Violinist (Emmanuel Joseph Bishop)
Voter
Full-Time worker
World speaker

so what can you do?

Please be a part of changing this world for children like ours. For this World Down Syndrome Day, will you share our stories? Please tag #theimpossibles and #wdsd15 when you share!

Have something inspiring to share? Please comment or message us! We’d love to hear the impossibles you know in your life and in the lives around you (whether it’s Down Syndrome, Special Needs, or any extraordinary circumstance for anyone).