Remarkable Resiliency: Children Who Never Let Their Disabilities Hold Them Back

For children with disabilities, life can present a series of challenges. But just because their lives aren’t “normal,” doesn’t mean these kids are letting their disabilities hold them back. Some of these kids have a spirit of resiliency that is not often matched. Check out this list of the most amazing kids who have used their huge spirits to overcome their disabilities.

Wait until you read about the special girl who isn’t letting her disability stop her from working towards joining the Olympics gymnastics team.

Meet Isaiah, The Wrestling Superstar

Fifth-grade Isaiah Bird has an attitude towards life that many adults could learn from. Isaiah was born without legs, but he has not let his disability hold him back — especially when it comes to sports. The nine-year-old plays football, soccer, runs track, swims, surfs and skateboards. But this amazing guy really shines on the wrestling mat. His record during his fifth year on the team was 27-12. Isaiah also made a friend and mentor in his coach and teacher assistant Miguel Rodriguez. Isaiah says that Miguel has pushed him to keep going. Isaiah recalls, “He says, ‘No matter what, you still can do all these things the other kids can do.’ And he says, ‘There are no excuses. No matter what, you keep doing it. No matter what. Just do your thing. Have fun. That’s the most important thing,’ Miguel says that it’s Isaiah who has inspired him and calls him, “one of the biggest gifts” in his life.

Ezra French Dominates Despite Disability

When Ezra French was born he was missing four fingers on his left hand and his left leg was not fully developed. When he was still a toddler he had the partial part of his leg amputated in order to give him more mobility. He was fitted with a prosthetic and began to excel at athletics. Now, 11-year-old Ezra plays many sports including basketball, soccer, football, track and field and even skateboards. Not only is he involved in athletics but he’s very talented and has even set seven national records. Sports Illustrated named him one of their “Sportskids of the Year.” Ezra also made an appearance on Ellen where he also took a moment to share his advice with others who might feel discouraged in life or with their own disabilities. Ezra said, “You’ve just got to know that being different is OK. And that you can dream it, you can hope it or you can make it happen.”

Adalia’s Inspirational Spirit

Adalia Rose is a beautiful 11-year-old girl with Progeria — a disease that causes rapid aging. Adalia hasn’t let her diagnosis stop her from being a happy-go-lucky tween. She first started being active on social media through videos she posts with her family. She has an astounding 6 million fans on Facebook from all over the world! Many of her videos have showcased her singing and dancing and generally having a great time in life. Adalia has also become an advocate for the disease and for finding a cure. As they say, “sometimes the greatest things come in small packages.”

Matthew’s No Nonsense Talent

Seventeen-year-old Matthew Whitaker is an amazing pianist who began playing when he was only three years old. Matthew was born blind but despite his visual impairment, he has become one of the best piano players in the world. He was endorsed by Hammond at nine years old, becoming the youngest to ever be endorsed in the company’s history. At 15, he was named a Yamaha Artist, again the youngest person to be named such. He has won numerous awards, played on world-renowned stages, shared the stage with legendary musicians, and appeared on multiple TV shows including Ellen. Currently, Matthew is studying classical piano and drums at The Filomen M. D’Agostino Greenberg Music School of the Lighthouse Guild in NYC and attends the Manhattan School of Music’s Precollege Jazz Program.

Christopher’s Angelic Voice

Christopher Duffley is a young Christian singer who also happens to have autism. His favorite song is “Open the Eyes of My Heart” which he has performed for huge audiences multiple times. After becoming enamored with a microphone at age four, he began performing in first grade and in 2011 he began to gain notoriety when various major media outlets took notice of his astounding performances. In 2015, he went viral with a performance of the Star-Spangled Banner at Fenway Park. Since then, Christopher has since released two albums and he also now has a podcast that was launched in April of 2016.