Chelsea Werner is a two time world champion gymnast, and 4 time US champion gymnast, in the Special Olympics. She is also a model, and has been featured at NYFW and in advertisements for Target and Aerie.
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Chris González is the first person with Down syndrome to own a business in Puerto Rico: CHRISin Limites food truck. Chris not only owns his food truck, he cooks, manages the cash register, and serves the food to his customers.
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After graduating with two associate degrees and honors from Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Megan has earned her Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree in education. She worked as a substitute teacher while earning her degree, and plans to have a full time career.
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Angel and Cristina are a married couple who happen to be co-stars on the reality show Born This Way. The couple let the show follow their wedding to show people a wedding between two people with disabilities.
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Erin is taking nursing courses at Kent State University, working as a nursing assistant while she finishes her degree. Erin hopes to work full time as a CNA/PCA.
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Dr. Gaffney was the first person with Down syndrome to swim across the English Channel.For her talents in swimming and her dedication to making her community a better place, Dr. Gaffney received an honorary doctorate from the University of Portland. In addition to her doctorate, Dr. Gaffney has an Associate of Science degree and a teacher’s aide certificate. She is the founder of the Karen Gaffney Foundation.
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John Cronin owns a business worth over 4 million dollars. John’s Crazy Socks is a sock manufacturing and distributing company, inspired by John’s love of making people smile with his crazy patterned socks. In addition to begin a successful entrepreneur, John is a philanthropist, donating 5% of his earnings to the Special Olympics.
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Jihad “Jad” Issa is a loving husband and father. Neither Mr. Issa’s wife nor son have Down syndrome. According to his son, Sader, his father having Down syndrome has made his life better- full of love and joy- and that his father is his main supporter, financially and emotionally. Sader, is currently in dental school.
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Jason Eagan is a firefighter in Illinois. He is a beloved member of the team and is dedicated to his life’s passion of helping the public.
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Sujeet graduated from high school with a full diploma, on the honor roll, and a 4.3 GPA. He went on to graduate from the Berkshire Hills Music Academy, where her perfected his musical skills. Today Sujeet can play 8 different instruments.
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Councillor Bachiller was the first person with Down syndrome to be elected to public office in Spain. After working as an administrative assistant at Valladolid City Hall, Ángela decided she wanted to represent the people of Spain. She was elected as Spain’s first City Councillor with Down syndrome in 2013.
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After competing in a beauty pageant, Kate’s modeling career took off. She was the first model with Down syndrome to walk at Belfast Fashion Week and the first model with Down syndrome to model for Benefit Cosmetics. Kate was even mentioned on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
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After graduating from college, where she studied the culinary arts, Collette was turned down by multiple bakeries. Instead of letting her dreams be crushed, Collette started her own cookie business that quickly turned into a cookie empire.
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Aditi Verma is a young woman in Mumbai, India who runs her own restaurant Aditi’s Corner. Aditi does it all- she cooks, serves, delivers, and manages the bills. Her mother and father work alongside her, supporting Aditi in her culinary adventures.
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Zhou Zhou grew up attending the orchestra with his father who was a cellist. As a joke, someone suggested Zhou Zhou conduct and handed him a baton. To everyone’s surprise, Zhou Zhou had learned how to conduct from simply watching the conductor all of his life. Zhou Zhou went on to conduct in many nations, and became a famous conductor. He even played at Carnegie hall! He was once reported to have conducted at over 100 shows within a year.
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In July of 1995, Maryanne and Tommy got married, becoming one of the first known married couples with Down syndrome in Europe. The couple is still married today, and remains an example for those who may question the capabilities of people with Down syndrome. Mr. and Mrs. Pilling are ambassadors for Save Down Syndrome.
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Madison Essig was the first person with Down syndrome to graduate from her high school. She graduated with a full diploma and a 3.7 GPA. She went on to study at George Mason University.
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Joining the IDF is mandatory for all citizens in Israel, and people with “disabilities” are not excluded if willing and able. Private Shahaf is dedicated to his position, and uses the loving aspect of Down syndrome to serve as a counselor for active duty soldiers.
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Valerio Catoia became a hero when he saved a young girl from drowning. Catoia started swimming at three years old. His skills were put to the test during a family outing at the beach when he saw two girls being pulled out to sea. He and his father immediately swam out to them, each of them saving one of the girls. For his life-saving actions, Valerio was presented with an award by the Italian Minister of Sports.
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Olivia Longo gave the opening commencement address at her high school graduation. After graduating, Longo went on to study public speaking and broadcasting at Purdue Northwest University.
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