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

Mykenzie Goes For The Gold

Mykenzie Pfeiffer is a 13-year-old gymnast whose got her eyes on the gold. Mykenzie is also deaf, having lost her hearing as a toddler. She has not let her hearing impairment stop her from excelling in gymnastics. In fact, she is so talented that many are touting her as an Olympic hopeful. Mykenzie hopes to make the Olympic team in time for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Mykenzie received a cochlear implant to help in everyday life, however, when she takes the mat for floor events she takes them off. “I do it without hearing the music,” she said. “My coach claps when the music comes on.” She also has some advice for others facing disabilities. She said, “If you’re disabled, don’t let that affect you because, you know what, you’re special!”

Coming up later: The brave kid who Ellen DeGeneres calls her “only boyfriend”!

Madeline Stuart: Changing The Face of Beauty

Madeline Stuart is a 20-year-old model from Brisbane, Australia with Down Syndrome. Excessive weight gain can be a problem for kids with Down Syndrome as they get older, which is why Madeline and her mom set out to improve their lifestyles. Madeline’s mom posted her story and her before and after photo online and it immediately went viral. Soon publications around the world were picking up Madeline’s story. Since then, Madeline has been determined to follow her dreams which include dance and modeling. Madeline is now living out her dream and has modeled in New York Fashion Week, Arts Hearts Fashion Week, and Style Fashion Week. She has also been featured in Vogue, Cosmopolitan, The New York Times, and People Magazine.

No Doubts About Camden

Camden Whiddon is a four-year-old boy who was born without arms or legs, but he doesn’t let his disability get him down. People started taking notice of Camden when a video of him helping calm his infant brother went viral. He went viral again after he was able to take his first steps by sliding across the floor. Camden excitedly says, “I’m coming to you. I’m walking!” Camden’s mother was young when she had him and was worried about what his disability would mean for his life but his mother now says, “I had so many doubts at first, but he’s just shown me how I don’t need to doubt him.” She also believes he has something big in store for his future like becoming a motivational speaker and we definitely agree!

Mandy Harvey Hits It Big

Mandy Harvey first gained notoriety when she appeared on Season 12 of America’s Got Talent where she finished fourth. America fell in love with her amazing story and the fact that she could sing and play instruments so beautifully despite being deaf. Amanda was born with hearing issues and ultimately lost her hearing due to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Despite losing her hearing entirely at age eighteen, she still studied vocal music education at Colorado State University. Amanda said she uses “visual tuners” to help find her pitch. Since participating in America’s Got Talent, she has published her memoir and continues pursuing music.

Timmy and Linda’s Amazing Bond

Timmy Bannon is an amazing 11-year-old boy who has a closer-than-average bond with his mother. Both Timmy and his mother Linda were born with Holt-Oram syndrome which is a genetic disorder causing arm abnormalities as well as heart problems. In the case of Timmy and Linda, they were both born without arms. Because Linda was always treated as any normal kid by her parents, she treats her son the same way. The mother-son duo both use their feet as good as anyone can use their hands. Linda has thrived in life, earning her elementary education degree before marrying her husband Richard and having Timmy. Linda has no doubts that her son will be able to achieve the same successes. Timmy has already become super active and is even participating in swimming.