Close Ad

down syndrome

Teen With Down Syndrome Gets Cut From Cheer Team - But She Didnt Let It Stop Her
Everyday Heroes

Teen With Down Syndrome Gets Cut From Cheer Team - But She Didnt Let It Stop Her

Being cut from a school team can be a difficult experience for a kid. Sure, it can help build resilience but it comes at a cost (usually heartbreak, a sucker punch to self-esteem, and copious amounts of mint chocolate chip ice cream).But when 13-year-old Emmie Tallent (who has Down syndrome) didn't make her school's cheer squad she responded in the most epic way possible — she cheered anyway. The determined girl took to the sidelines while her Chattanooga, Tennessee school's cheer squad performed inside their gymnasium. And she danced, matching the entire routine, move for move. Her 22-year-old sister, Sydnee, captured it all on video and now? It's capturing all our hearts. After Being Cut From the Squad, 13-Year-Old Girl Comes Out CheeringIn an Instagram reel that's gone viral with over 3 million views and 87,000 likes, Emmie, dressed in a black dress and tie-dyed shoes, faces off against the official squad and slays the routine right along with them.Her performance is nothing short of inspiring. “Girl didn’t make the cheer team but she don’t care,” Sydnee captioned the post. “I aspire to have an ounce of her confidence.”(Don't we all).In a subscript, she explained:“The team did not have a lot of spots and even neurotypical girls (who were much better than Emmie) didn’t make it! Emmie’s school is super, super supportive, but there are hard decisions that have to be made sometimes.”She went on to add that "Emmie is still happy cheering with them at home games and my mom is secretly happy that she doesn’t have to drive my sister to tons of cheer stuff..."(And all the sports parents out there are nodding their heads in solidarity.)Sydnee also shared that despite Emmie not making the squad, she isn't just sitting at home. She takes gymnastics and dance, both of which she loves."I’m sure in the future Emmie will make cheer somewhere, but today she’s perfectly happy as she is :) Thank you everyone for caring about her!" she added.A Lesson in Self-Esteem and ConfidenceIn an interview with People, Emmie's mother, Lisa Tallent, shared that initially, Emmie didn't understand that she didn't make the team. She was, after all, a seasoned cheerleader, having been on the squad in grades four and five. It wasn't until about a week later that the realization finally sank in. There were some tears but not enough to dampen the sixth grader's school spirit.Thanks to her previous experience, Emmie can pick up routines and moves really quickly. A talent she proved in her now-viral video. And she has no plans of stopping. She'll continue to spread her joy, albeit from the sidelines. For now. As for her older sister Sydnee, she plans to keep on sharing snippets of Emmie's life in the hopes of spreading awareness about living with Down syndrome.“I’ve always wanted to share Emmie’s humor and positivity with others. There are a lot of people who have no exposure or experience with people with special needs and it can make them close-minded," she said. "I wanted to give a little piece of Emmie out to the world so those people can see the joy that comes with someone with special needs."She also hopes that Down syndrome aside, we can all learn a valuable lesson in self-esteem and finding joy in the face of adversity from a 13-year-old girl who refused to let rejection define her.And if there is anything to be taken away from this, it's this: If you ever find yourself in a situation where you have to choose to sit it out or dance? Choose dance.More from Goalcast:Server Overhears Customers Making a Rude Comment About a Child With Down Syndrome – Risks His Job to Does ThisFourth Grader Makes a Promise to Classmate With Down Syndrome – Years Later, He Shows Up to Fulfill the PactDesperate Mom Puts Out Ad to Hire Friends For Lonely Son With Down Syndrome — The Response is Shocking

Fourth Grader Makes a Promise to Classmate With Down Syndrome - Years Later, He Shows Up to Fulfill the Pact
Uplifting News

Fourth Grader Makes a Promise to Classmate With Down Syndrome - Years Later, He Shows Up to Fulfill the Pact

Meet Ben Moser and Mary Lapkowicz, two incredible souls whose friendship has stood the test of time since they first crossed paths in the second grade. Mary, a remarkable individual with Down syndrome, found an unwavering friend in Ben, a young boy who defied the norms of childhood to stand by her side.The Promise a Fourth Grader Made to His FriendPhoto by NEOSiAM 2021While many might have shied away from Mary due to her condition, Ben's heart held no boundaries. He championed her inclusion in all activities, always ensuring her radiant smile never faded, even in the face of adversity. For three years, they shared the same elementary school classroom, and a beautiful connection was formed that transcended the ordinary.In the fourth grade, Ben made a promise that would touch hearts and bring a spark of joy into Mary's life. As he watched his older cousin prepare for the prom, Ben turned to Mary and whispered a pledge that warmed her heart – when they were old enough, he would be the one to take her to the prom.Life led them to separate high schools in Pennsylvania, but fate had a reunion in store. Their schools faced off on the football field, and amidst the excitement of the game, Ben remembered his promise to Mary. With a heart full of dedication, he orchestrated a surprise promposal that would forever be etched in their memories.Mary was elated by the unexpected invitation. She had planned to go with friends, but this moment was beyond her dreams. Dressed in their finest attire, the two friends shared a magical night at Mary's high school prom, creating a moment that radiated pure joy. Their fourth-grade teacher, Tracey Spogli, who had witnessed their friendship blossom, was there to see them off. She fondly remembered the days when Ben's watchful eye ensured Mary's happiness, and she called Mary the "Little Mary Sunshine" of their classroom.How One Young Man Proved the Importance of Keeping PromisesMary's brother Tom expressed the profound impact Ben had on his sister's life. He spoke of the renewed faith in humanity that Ben's actions ignited, a simple yet powerful act of kindness that put a radiant smile on Mary's face. "A lot of grade-school aged kids may have stayed away from my sister Mary or thought she was weird because she has Downs [sic] Syndrome. But not Ben," Tom wrote on Facebook.For Lisa Moser, Ben's mom, this friendship was a testament to the values she had instilled in her children – to put others first, love wholeheartedly, and stand up for what they believed in. "My heart just overflows with love watching (Ben and Mary) tell the story of their friendship," she said.As this heartwarming story captivates the world, Lisa revealed that her son, humble as ever, doesn't see his actions as a big deal. So, as we celebrate this beautiful friendship, let's share the magic of this story. Because in the end, it's the small gestures of love and friendship, like the one between Ben and Mary, that remind us of the beauty in the world, and the powerful impact of a promise kept.More from Goalcast:Teen Is Devastated When Her “Friend” Ruins Her $500 Prom Dress – Little Did She Know There Was So Much More to ComeTeen Didn’t Have a Date for Her Prom – So Her Grandfather Steps in the Best WayTeen’s Prom Date Couldn’t Afford a Dress — So He Taught Himself to Sew and Made Her One

Employee Blocks Teen From Riding Ferris Wheel Because of Her Disability - So Her Stunned Friends Take Action
Uplifting News

Employee Blocks Teen From Riding Ferris Wheel Because of Her Disability - So Her Stunned Friends Take Action

*Featured image contains photo by Tim GouwUnfortunately, people with Down Syndrome have been stereotyped and discriminated against for years. And while the condition is completely different than it was even 20 years ago, a lack of education and ongoing prejudice mean it’s important to continue speaking out and sharing stories.This is exactly what one teen wanted to do after she experienced unexpected discrimination during a school trip.A Fun Outing Takes an Unexpected TurnKathryn Embry was with her class on a trip to Scheels in Overland Park, Kansas having a great time with her friends. The day took an unexpected turn, however, when the 18-year-old was denied entry to the sporting goods store’s Ferris wheel because she had a “disability.”Not only was Embry upset, but her friends and soccer teammates Emily Kramer and Morgan McGruder were angry too.“It made me really upset because I know that Kathryn is an amazing girl,” McGruder told Fox4. Kramer added the school couldn’t do anything, which made them even angrier.“Just because someone might look different than someone else, you shouldn’t assume their capabilities. Kathryn can do anything we can do,” McGruder added.Frustrated, the girls teamed up with Embry and recorded a video about the incident to share on social media and help spread the word that this kind of discrimination isn’t okay.“I tried to go on the Ferris wheel with my buddy, but they said I can’t because I have disabilities,” Kathryn said in the video.Setting the Record StraightAfter hearing about the incident, Embry’s mom called the store. The manager explained that while he wasn’t aware of the specific incident, the store has a policy that everyone riding the Ferris wheel needs to be able to follow the rules. The class that day was half made up of kids with special learning needs and half of the peers who work with them.“They said everybody with disabilities in the group, you need to have a person who’s an adult chaperone,” Karen said. Her issue, however, was that no one asked her daughter if she understood the rules. She did, perfectly.“The thing is, Kathryn has Down Syndrome, so you can look at her and see that she has a disability,” Karen said. “But it says nothing about what her capabilities are. She can read the rules. She can follow the rules.”“I’ve been on the Scheels trip before. They’ve let other students with disabilities ride with peer tutors,” Kramer explained. “They told her she couldn’t even ride with a peer, with another student, which is just outrageous.”Raising AwarenessUltimately, Embry isn’t out to hurt anybody or to start a call to action against the store. What she hopes to gain by sharing her story is awareness: she wants to educate others so that these types of incidents stop happening.She and her mom would also appreciate a policy change and perhaps an apology.“We’re not here about a boycott [or to] shut down a business that’s been very generous in our community,” Kathryn’s family told the publication. “We’re about educating — not just the community at large, but business," she continued. "Even if it’s unintentional, it’s still illegal, and it’s still wrong because it perpetuates stereotypes and it hurts a population, especially who are hitting this young adult stage.”Standing Up for What’s RightThis story is a great reminder to all of us that we don’t know what we don’t know, but it is on us to educate ourselves and to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes in order to eliminate stereotypes and prejudices. We can only be an ally if we take the time to learn and understand those around us who may be different, after all.More importantly, the kindness of Embry’s friends and the way they were so quick to defend her is heartwarming and inspiring. When we see an injustice, it’s important to speak up and be there for others rather than burying our heads in the sand.More from Goalcast:Parents Abandon Baby With Down Syndrome at Birth — Years Later, She’s a Famous ActorMan With Down Syndrome Has Worked at Wendy’s for 20 Years – Instead of Rewarding His Loyalty, He Was Fired

Desperate Mom Puts Out Ad to Hire Friends For Lonely Son With Down Syndrome The Response is Shocking
Uplifting News

Desperate Mom Puts Out Ad to Hire Friends For Lonely Son With Down Syndrome The Response is Shocking

When Donna Herter's son, Christian Bowers, came to her asking when his friends were coming over, her mama's heart broke. Born with Down syndrome, the 24-year-old had lost touch with his high school friends and was now, sadly, friendless. Like any parent, Herter just wanted Christian to be happy. So, she decided to do something about it.After a late-night nursing shift, the desperate mom turned to social media for help and boy, did it deliver.A Mother's Desperate Plea For Her Lonely SonHerter posted a gutwrenching ad on Facebook, offering $80 in exchange for hanging out with her son for two hours twice a month. "I’m looking for a young man, between the ages of 20-28 who would like to make some extra money," the Facebook post read. "Two days a month for two hours, I’ll pay you to be my son’s friend. All you have to do is sit with him and play video games in his room. Nothing else."She clarified that the person would never be alone with her son and that Christian would not be privy to the fact that it was a paid position.She also added a post-script: "PS: Getting paid is not optional. The reason I’m paying is to guarantee you show up. He’s had many people tell him “Someday I’ll visit” and they never do."This is heartbreaking. Thankfully, it didn't take long for netizens to heed her call. The post took off, going viral with over 60K likes and nearly the same amount of shares. Herter couldn't believe it. "I panicked and almost took it down," she told Today. But then she started reading the comments...all 26K of them.People Around the World Band Together For a Mom & Her Son With Down Syndrome(TODAY)While social media can often be the cesspool of humanity, turns out it can be a pretty cool place too. Because the response Herter received? Was overwhelmingly positive.She was blown away by the kindness and generosity of the people who reached out to her. Thousands of people offered to join Christian in online gaming, others asked if they could be phone or pen pals, and someone even offered a free superhero visit.But it wasn't just offers of friendship that Herter received. Other parents of special-needs children stepped forward, sharing their own stories. One person wrote: "I feel the same way about my own son who is also 24! It’s so hard to find someone who would simply hang out with him. He needs friends to keep him connected to the community.""I wish you were closer as my high functioning autistic 18-year-old lacks friends and he feels lonely, alot...," wrote another.For the first time, Herter no longer felt alone in her struggles as a parent of a child with special needs.The best part of all though, is that her ad worked. And not just for Christian.How One Facebook Post Sparked An Entire Movement(My Modern Met)Herter's post was the catalyst for a remarkable chain reaction. Christian wasn't the only one to receive countless offers of friendship. The other parents of special needs kids who commented were getting connected with their own friends: exchanging gamer tags and setting up play dates.As for Christian, it worked so well that Herter had to buy a social planner for her son to keep up with all his "dates." So far, he's booked up for the next several months.According to Herter, Christian and his friends hang out in his bedroom, watching movies or playing video games. He's also gone swimming and bowling. And even though every "match" has come from the help wanted ad, not one of them has accepted payment.This is beyond heartwarming. Christian is thrilled with all of his new friends. "The love being shown to our son is amazing," said Herter. "Christian says having friends over feels like heaven. He goes to bed with a smile on his face and when he talks to himself, I know he is replaying everything."The Community Rallies in Support (Yahoo News)The amazing outpouring of love wasn't confined to social media. The family's St.Charles, MO community also stepped up. A group of local police officers showed up to hang out with Christian, bearing pizza and cookies, donated from a restaurant and bakery.Additionally, Billy Mayhall, the founder of the nonprofit STL Youth Sports Outreach, teamed up with a group of donors to buy Christian a new 65-inch flatscreen television for his video games. They also gifted him some St. Louis Blues tickets.“That was a really heartbreaking post, it really was,” Mayhall told KMOV. “People now are starting to see a lot of these kids with special needs need somebody in life, just like we do, no different.”Wentzville Mayor Nick Guccione also appointed Christian "Mayor for the Day." He was sworn in and awarded a certificate, rode on a fire truck, visited the police station, and attended a board meeting complete with a gavel to bang. "We want him to know he is loved in the community," Guccione said.And isn't love what we all want? People may all be different, but at the heart, we are all the same: we have an innate need to be valued and loved.It took a lot of courage for Herter to post a "help wanted" ad offering payment for friendship. It could have easily gone south. But instead, it turned into a beautiful example of humanity and the power of community. By putting herself out there and asking for help, Herter found the support she needed to give her son a chance at making meaningful connections. And it had the unexpected consequence of sparking an inspiring movement of friendship for countless others. It just goes to show, one act truly can make a remarkable difference.

Heartwarming Moment Shows Employee's Infectious Joy After Receiving His First Paycheck Ever (VIDEO)
Uplifting News

Heartwarming Moment Shows Employee's Infectious Joy After Receiving His First Paycheck Ever (VIDEO)

There's nothing quite like the high of getting your very first paycheck. Just ask Joe Sullivan.The 18-year-old had been on the job at Bitty and Beau's Coffee Shop in Melrose, Massachusetts for two weeks when his manager handed him his first paycheck. And his reaction? Absolutely priceless.What makes the moment even more special is that Joe has Down Syndrome. Not only is he celebrating the money he earned, but he's also celebrating finding purpose and inclusion in a society that so often fails those with disabilities.The Viral TikTok of an Employee Receiving His First-Ever PaycheckThe first time Joe walked into Bitty and Beau's he was "smitten." For nearly a year, Joe and his mother, Tonya, would visit the coffee shop every Sunday in the hopes of eventually landing Joe a job.Finally, his dream came true. On July 31st, 2022, Joe became the newest member of the coffee shop's team. Two weeks later, he received his first paycheck and it had him jumping for joy, literally.The company captured the heartwarming moment in a 23-second video and posted it on its TikTok page where it has gone viral with a staggering four million views. For good reason — people can't help but be touched by Joe's infectious joy and enthusiasm.And if this doesn't put a smile on your face, nothing will.The clip is captioned, “Joe's on cloud 9—he got his first paycheck!” — and it ain't lying.Joe IS on cloud 9 and he's not afraid to show it. Jumping up and down, waving his arms, and pumping his fists, he's positively beaming as his fellow employees & customers applaud and cheer. It is pure unadulterated joy in action.Tonya said of her son's reaction, “He was so ecstatic about the whole thing. He wasn’t concerned with how much it was for. He loves going there to work.”Bitty and Beau's Serves Up More Than Just Coffee Bitty and Beau's isn't your average, run-of-the-mill coffee shop. According to its website, it's really a "human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop."Since its inception in 2016, founders Amy and Ben Wright have been all about employing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For them, it's a mission grounded in their own lives. They are the proud parents of four children, including two with Down Syndrome (Bitty and Beau) and one with Autism.And they're hoping to create a better world for them.“Our mission is to change the way people see people with disabilities, and we do that within the setting of a coffee shop, where everybody feels pretty comfortable,” Amy said. When a guest realizes their order is being taken by a person with a disability, “you are having some psychological reconditioning going on, while enjoying a really great cup of coffee.”However, it's not just about changing people's perceptions. It's about changing lives too.The national unemployment rate is over 80% for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Wrights are working to change that. “For people with disabilities who have been marginalized, segregated, or in the shadows, to be front and center [in] the spotlight is life-changing.” - Amy WrightObviously, their inclusion policy is paying off. Business is booming. Since its humble beginnings with its first store in North Carolina, Bitty and Beau's has grown into 23 locations in 12 states in just a few years. They currently employ more than 400 people.And they have no plans of stopping. They're hoping to expand worldwide and offer franchise opportunities for those interested in "brewing up more than just coffee." They're also hoping that other businesses will follow suit, making the choice to hire their own disabled employees. A decision they know they won't regret.Changing Lives — One Cup of Coffee At a TimeFor many people, receiving a paycheck is just a routine part of life. But for others, it can be a life-changing event. For Joe, his first paycheck represented a sense of pride and accomplishment. It was validation of his place in his community. A community that he is a part of changing for the better."A lot of times I say you might not be able to change the whole world, but we can change our world right?" Tonya said. "That's what he's doing. One coffee at a time."

Rude Diner Asks Boss to Hang a Sign About Her Special Needs Employees - She Agrees, but He Wasn’t Expecting It to Say This
Uplifting News

Rude Diner Asks Boss to Hang a Sign About Her Special Needs Employees - She Agrees, but He Wasn’t Expecting It to Say This

When you work in the service industry, you deal with all kinds of difficult customers. And unfortunately, despite the old saying, the customer isn’t always right. Thankfully not all employers go by that old adage anyhow and are willing to stand up for their staff when they’re mistreated. Such as the boss at the centre of this story.A Customer ComplaintFacebook/Pizza InnIn Greenville, South Carolina, Amanda Cartagine owns a restaurant called Greenville Pizza Inn. There, she oversees a diverse team of employees that includes 63 percent of people with special needs. It’s important to her, and she tries her best to make everyone feel like they’re a part of her team.“If you have the patience to let them take their time and learn at their pace, when the light bulb comes on, they are unstoppable,” she told news outlet WYFF4.RELATED: Mom Fights To Adopt Abused Special Needs Teen Who Lived With 28 Other OrphansOne Sunday, though, she encountered an issue when a customer complained about the service. According to the publication, the man in question asked an employee with autism to refill the lettuce bowl at the salad bar, but he wouldn’t.“My manager explained to him the situation privately, 'That's not his job. We've trained him to do this, and there are special circumstances,' and the customer was still not happy,” Cartagine explained.The Perfect Response At that point, the customer suggested to Cartagine that she put a sign on the door to make customers aware of their staff’s special needs. The owner was upset and entertained the idea before putting up a different sign.“We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and hire all of God's children,” she wrote.Later, she explained her decision to WYFF, revealing she doesn’t really care if that customer returns, and she hopes the sign inspires people to be more open-minded in general. “If he is not OK with that, then I'm OK with him not coming back,” she added. “That's a dollar that I don't need.”RELATED: Special Needs Teacher Who Lost 5 Family Members to COVID Gets a Bittersweet Celebrity SurpriseAccording to the mother of one of Greenville Pizza Inn’s employees, who has Down syndrome, having a steady job and paycheck means the world to her son.“He loved the fact that he has money in the bank, and he can actually go buy his favorite video game,” Angie Mosley said. “We parents with special needs (children) are always faced with breaking down barriers, stigmas, teaching other people that our children are more like them than different.”Respecting Our DifferencesThis story hit home for so many people because it reminds us how important it is to respect one another and be kind no matter our differences. A customer shouldn’t need a sign to know to lead with kindness, compassion, and empathy when speaking to another human being about a salad bar.At the same time, how many employers would stand up for their employees in this kind of situation, not only with the customer himself but with the sign that she then posted in the window? By offering people with special needs a chance to work at her restaurant, this pizza shop owner is breaking down stigmas and establishing what kind of clientele she wants to attract.It’s a nice reminder to all of us that we should never judge a book by its cover. Always get to know someone before determining what they can and cannot do. And in the meantime, give people a shot. Whether you’re working with them, hiring them, collaborating with them, or looking to make a new friend, you may find that people from all different walks of life can continue to surprise you the more you get to know who they really are deep down.

Parents Refuse to Take Newborn Baby Home With Them and Abandon Him at Hospital - One Nurse Takes Him in as Her Own
Uplifting News

Parents Refuse to Take Newborn Baby Home With Them and Abandon Him at Hospital - One Nurse Takes Him in as Her Own

What seemed to be a regular day at work ended up changing the life of Marcela Casal Sánchez, a 48-year-old nurse who was working at the Sanatorio Mater Dei in Buenos Aires, Argentina.How One Family Let Down Their Baby Marcela Casal SánchezA baby boy was born and immediately abandoned by his family after they realized he had Down syndrome. Not detected during the woman’s pregnancy, the woman and her family were shocked when the baby was born and they learned his diagnosis. Unable to accept this reality, the birth mother asked for the baby's crib to be removed from her room, she returned the baby’s birth certificate and she refused to take the baby home with her. RELATED: Mom Rejects Son With Down Syndrome and Wants to Leave Him at an Orphanage – So, His Father Does ThisNuns from the hospital tried to get the parents to change their mind and take their baby home, but they refused and left without the child.The birth family initially planned to name the boy Franco but they said the name Franco was meant for a healthy child. So, the nurses, who showered him with love and took turns cradling him to make sure he didn’t feel unwanted, named the baby Santiago.How One Wonderful Family Came to BeFacebook / Sanatorio Mater DeiSánchez had never seen parents refuse to take their baby home. It broke her heart, and she knew she had to do something. She grew so attached to the boy and wanted to give him a mother's love."Santiago got into my heart right away with everything that was happening. I needed to have him in my arms all the time. That he felt accompanied and loved,” she said.Sánchez was hopeful Santiago's parents would come back for him, but when that didn't happen, she took matters into her own hands. Her and her partner were already considering adoption after struggling for a while with infertility.Meanwhile, Santiago was assigned to a foster family while they worked on his case. When Sánchez found out, she was determined to adopt the boy.RELATED: Doctors Wanted to Put Baby with Down Syndrome in an Institution – 15 Years Later, She Proves Them WrongIt was a long and tedious process, but Sánchez kept fighting for the boy.After months of paperwork, visits and evaluations, Sánchez and her partner were called to court where they found out they were chosen to be Santiago's parents.It was an emotional day and even the judge, and everyone else around, cried with Sánchez.Just one year after Santiago moved in with her, Sánchez’s partner left her. The nurse became a proud single mother to Santiago, who is now a beautiful pre-teenager. His mom describes him as a very healthy and funny boy who grows and learns new things every day.DNA doesn’t make a family – love does. And it seems this mother and son were always destined to find each other.