Down syndrome did not prevent the Spaniard Pablo Pineda from getting higher education, and also become a film actor: he played leading role in feature film"Me too" (2009).
Pablo Pineda is a convincing proof that even Down syndrome is not a final sentence for a person (like, probably, any disease or disability in general). A lot depends on the courage of the person himself, his willingness to fight for himself and his future, as well as, of course, on the love and help of his loved ones.
What is Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is a congenital genetic pathology in which a person has one extra chromosome: instead of 46, there are 47 of them in the chromosome set of the cell: one chromosome, namely the 21st, is represented by three copies instead of two.
This syndrome was first described in 1862 by English doctor John Down, misclassifying it as a form of mental disorder. Signs of people with Down syndrome are a flat face with slanted eyes (this pathology was even called “Mongolism” for quite a long time), an open mouth, a small nose, a short wide neck, a flat nape, low muscle tone, etc.
In the early 20th century, with the advent of eugenics, people with Down syndrome began to be forcibly sterilized in many US states. The same thing was done first in Nazi Germany, and then they were completely destroyed in order to “purify the Aryan race” as part of the T-4 killing program (“Action Tiergartenstrasse 4”).
It is recognized that the birth of a child with Down syndrome (an average of 1 birth in 700-800) can be affected by the age of the mother. Very often, such children are born to women over 35 years old. Usually people with Down syndrome are called "children of the Sun" - for peacefulness and kindness, the absence of any aggressiveness.
In Russia, about 2,000 children with Down syndrome are born every year, and 85% of them turn out to be superfluous in their family: their parents refuse them. In Europe and the US, if prenatal diagnosis diagnoses a baby with Down syndrome in the womb, more than 90% of mothers will have an abortion. Doctors have been sounding the alarm about this for a long time, but so far it has not been possible to cope with the problem.
Pablo is the first
Meanwhile, it is a delusion to believe that such children are not taught. They do have delays in intellectual and physical development varying degrees of severity. These may be problems with speech and hearing, the development of fine motor skills and communication skills. However, they can still develop: learn not only to walk and talk, but also to read and write, like other children, albeit with a lag.
A striking example of the learning ability of people with Down syndrome is the Spaniard Pablo Pineda, who was born in 1974 in the Spanish city of Malaga. He grew up in a family where, in addition to him, his two older brothers were brought up. Pablo became the first person in Europe with Down syndrome who was able to get a higher education. He graduated in 1999 from the University of Malaga with a degree in Educational Psychology.
The fact that he was not like everyone else, the boy first learned from his teacher at the age of seven, when he had to go to school. "I am stupid?" Pablo asked him. "No," shrugged his interlocutor. "Can I go to school?" He answered in the affirmative, although at that time it was unusual. It is today that 85% of Spanish children with Down syndrome go to general, non-specialized schools. Then Pablo became one of the very first such children who studied in a regular school along with the rest of the children.
Pablo remembers the school with gratitude. In one of the interviews about school years he said this: “School is the best time. It was a wonderful, interesting, but also tough experience that enriched my life incredibly. It was especially difficult when I was a teenager.”
Fortunately for him, his parents took great care of his development and did a lot of work on him. Pablo himself says this about this: “I grew up in a cultured family, with daily newspapers and a library, curiosity woke up in me very early ... In general, such a child should be brought up as a child, and not as a “disabled person”: he needs to be educated. Parents should talk to him, because the worst enemy of children with Down syndrome is silence ... Parents should always be with them, they should show that this is their child. Children with Down Syndrome do not need to be overprotected; they need constant mental and physical stimulation and learn on their own.”
Another secret to Pablo's success is hard work. For example, he said that he works out 6-7 hours a day. At the same time, Pablo explained that for him this is largely a necessity: after all, people with Down syndrome study and assimilate educational material are harder than usual.
In his early youth, Pablo wanted to become a lawyer or a journalist. However, in the end, he chose the profession of a teacher at the university. For some time after graduation, Pineda worked in the municipality of the city of Malaga. Now he is busy teaching at a school in the Spanish city of Cordoba.
At the 2009 San Sebastian International Film Festival, Pineda won Best Actor in Me Too, where he played a university teacher with Down syndrome. It can be said that in the film, Pablo largely plays himself.
We bring to your attention excerpts from one of the interviews with Pablo Pineda, where he talks about his life and how, in his opinion, society should treat people with Down syndrome.
Pablo Pineda: we should be seen as ordinary people
– What do you remember about school? Was it difficult to adapt?
- I remember the school period as useful enough for me. The difficulties I encountered were often caused by distrust and fear on the part of senior teachers. They were prejudiced and took it for granted that I would fail in my studies. But I got lucky. I was supported by young teachers. They approved my stay at the school and insisted that I stay.
With early childhood I have always studied at the state educational institutions. I must admit that because of Down syndrome my path was not covered with roses, and I had problems with integration.
– How do you fight for your integration? What is the most difficult thing here?
– From the very beginning until today, I have to constantly prove and show what I am capable of. It is very difficult, it is a very difficult struggle, the most difficult in my life. I always have to go one step ahead. I've hit "no" hundreds of times, but I've learned to fight and get "yes." Some things offended me. For example, they told me that my case was artificial, that it was a substitution, that I had a “mosaic” form of the syndrome (a variant of Down syndrome, in which only some, and not all, cells of the body contain tripled chromosome 21 - ed.).
- In your opinion, are young Spaniards able to truly integrate a person with Down syndrome into society?
I have many friends and have great memories of school. Children are more tolerant, more solidary. As a teenager, it was more difficult for me. The guys at the institute were not so understanding ... Well, okay, in any case, the good outweighs. Everyone has their own experience. Everything happened to me, but, in general, my student life was happy.
– How did you get involved in the work?
– … I am a certified teacher in the field special education in the direction of "pedagogical psychology". I'm the only person with Down syndrome who has managed to make a career. I consider myself lucky, I do not sit without work. For almost a year I worked in the department of social welfare of the Malaga city hall, then in a project for socialization and involvement in professional activity people who are on the verge of marginalization… I really enjoy working.
- Do you understand that most people with Down syndrome do not have the same opportunities for a self-sufficient life?
- I feel my exceptional position and I think that several circumstances contributed to this: firstly, I myself very clearly saw myself as such. In addition, my parents helped me with all their might. They believed in my strength and always supported me. They once and for all decided for themselves that I was absolutely normal in everything and did not distinguish between me and my brothers. Of course, this was not easy for me.
– So you think that parents play a key role in the development of a person with Down syndrome?
- The most important, without a doubt. But, unfortunately, many parents who have a child with Down syndrome instantly lose hope, do not invest in it as they should, because they simply do not realize its capabilities. This is where I differ from most guys with Down syndrome. At the same time, it is very important not to overload such children with care, they must be given the freedom to develop.
– Have you had moments when you wanted to quit everything, moments of complete loneliness?
Yes, in my second year of undergraduate studies. Everything was going against me that year. The teachers were full of prejudices, I suffered from classmates, they looked down on me, contemptuously ... that was still the situation. I didn't tell my parents anything. As a result, I endured everything and came to the conclusion that I was able to overcome everything myself. In general, I began to live on. It's funny that in the worst moments of my life, I always meet someone who helps me and supports me. I always have a guardian angel.
– What is your goal for the near future?
- I have always believed and still believe that my goal is to fight for the liberation of society from prejudices and stereotypes. Our voice must be heard by society, we must be seen ordinary people. Until now, I sometimes ask myself if society really understands me. It seems to me that people with Down syndrome are not yet sufficiently understood and appreciated as individuals. Ignorance and often ignorance reigns in this topic. In general, the road ahead is long, you have to prove a lot.
– What is your advice to a person with Down Syndrome who is having difficulty tolerating their condition?
– My advice is to never lose your presence of mind, to feel strength and courage in yourself, to accept yourself as anyone and love yourself. In no case be afraid, do not envy anyone and discard complexes! We must fight with all our might. Surely, you have some abilities, and they need to be cultivated. For example, I manage to write well and study well, but then a bear stepped on my ear. Everyone decides for himself what to develop.
Can you remember a day that fills you with pride? The day when you felt that your efforts were not in vain?
- I can, and not one such day. Once, when they were rewarding students of a professionally oriented course for the success, I was awarded a special award. I was bursting with pride when I saw a crowded assembly hall in front of me, heard applause and shouts of approval. It was truly an indescribable feeling. Another time I did an internship at school, and they gave me an incredible honor, prepared a bunch of surprises, poems in my honor. I still get goosebumps when I remember…. At the end we all cried!
There is only one step from sadness to joy. This immutable truth is familiar to every person. However, in all cases, trouble overtakes a person absolutely unexpectedly. The statistics are relentless: in the US, autism affects one out of every 88 children, Down syndrome - every 700th. Many celebrity families have faced developmental disorders in their own children, but have not given up.
1. Irina Khakamada
Irina amazed many by deciding to have a baby at 42. In 2004, she experienced a terrible family tragedy. Doctors diagnosed her youngest daughter Masha with a terrible diagnosis - leukemia. The girl underwent a course of chemotherapy. Fortunately, she overcame this disease. And two years ago, Irina Mitsuovna came to the premiere of the blockbuster "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" with the matured Masha. This publication was not easy even for the strong-willed Khakamada. Everyone saw: her daughter suffers from Down syndrome - and imbued with respect for this persistent woman.
2. The Beckham family
Athlete's wife Victoria, she former member musical group Spice Girls, she herself confirmed the information about the illness of the offspring. According to the mother, her middle son reacts very painfully to camera flashes, which make the child fall into tantrums, the continuation of which may well become a seizure.
It is known that people suffering from epilepsy, although not terminally ill, are nevertheless extremely limited in their actions. So they are forbidden to ride cars and motorcycles. Almost all patients are required to take mountains of pills throughout their lives, since it is extremely difficult to cure epilepsy.
3. Lolita Milyavskaya
Lolita does not hide the fact that the child has health problems. Until the age of four, Eva could not speak, besides, she has poor eyesight. The singer herself never mentioned what the girl was sick with. But it has long been rumored that Eve has Down syndrome. They say that, having learned about this diagnosis, the singer was initially shocked, and now she is trying to do everything so that her daughter can realize herself as fully as possible.
The singer said that the birth began in the sixth month of pregnancy. The baby weighed less than one and a half kilograms, and she was nursed for a long time in a pressure chamber.
4. Evelina Bledans
The 43-year-old actress became a mother in the spring of 2012 - the first-born Bledans and her husband Alexander Semin were born.
the boy was named Semyon and soon the whole family moved out of town, deciding that village life on fresh air much more suitable for mom and baby. No one could have imagined what was hiding behind this pastoral idyll.
The baby, whom Bledans gave birth to on April 1, suffers from a severe genetic pathology - Down syndrome.
According to the actress, the doctors noticed the first signs of an anomaly during an ultrasound examination at the 14th week of pregnancy. Then the doctors suggested that Bledans have an abortion. But the couple resolutely refused.
5. Katie Price
Recently, former model Jordan defended the title of a good mother in court. Inspired by the fact that the court found her completely right, Jordan decided that she could well take another baby into her family (recall that she has three children). Katie is determined to adopt a disabled child, something no celebrity has yet dared to do before her. By her own admission, Jordan's thoughts about a foster child with developmental disabilities arose after she saw a report on TV about the life of disabled orphans.
It is worth noting that it is Kathy who knows how to take care of a child with a diagnosis - her first son, Harvey, was born blind and suffers from autism.
6. Colin Farrell
4-year-old son James suffers from a rare disease - a neuro-genetic disorder. Colin has been praising his baby ever since he revealed James's Angelman syndrome.
7. Sylvester Stallone
Sergio (born 1979), the youngest son of Sylvester Stallone, was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. For the actor, this news was a real blow, and his then wife, Sasha Czack, saw her husband's fault in the child's illness.
8. Toni Braxton
In October 2006 American singer burst into tears at a concert at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, talking from the stage that her youngest son Diesel (born March 31, 2003) has autism, and also stating that if the diagnosis had been made earlier, the boy could would be of much greater help.
9. John Travolta
Jett, the son of actors John Travolta and Kelly Preston, suffered from autism.
10. Fedor and Svetlana Bondarchuk
The daughter of Fedor and Svetlana Bondarchuk Varvara mostly lives abroad. Barbara was born ahead of time, after which the girl began to have developmental problems. In the Bondarchuk family, they do not use such words as illness, and they believe that they are raising a child with developmental disabilities. True, since the adaptation of such children in Russia is difficult, the girl has to spend most of her time abroad. There she studies, there she receives appropriate medical care.
The appearance of a special child in a family is a real test of humanity and tolerance, and the upbringing of such a baby is a huge job that requires incredible spiritual strength.
The babies of these stars were born with certain developmental problems, but the parents do not make a secret of this, but honestly talk about their experience, setting an example for many people.
On April 1, 2012, the actress and presenter Evelina Bledans became the mother of the wonderful baby Semyon. Evelina found out that her child had Down syndrome at the 14th week of pregnancy. Doctors advised her to have an abortion, but the star categorically refused. And never once regretted it. Now Seme is already 5 years old, he is an active, cheerful and very bright child. A star mother devotes a lot of time to the upbringing and development of her baby. For example, already at the age of 3.5, the boy learned to read, which not every healthy child can do. The actress proudly talks about her son's success in social networks, inspiring hope and optimism to other people raising special children:
“We show by our own example that such children can and should be loved and adored, that they are beautiful, smart and funny”Irina Khakamada and Masha
Successful politician and businesswoman Irina Khakamada hid for a long time that her daughter Masha, born in 1997, had Down syndrome. Masha is a late child; Irina gave birth to her at 42 from her third husband Vladimir Sirotinsky:
“This is the hard-won, very desirable fruit of our love”
Now Masha is 20 years old. She studies at college as a ceramist, is fond of theater. The girl loves dancing and has outstanding creative abilities. And recently, Mary has a boyfriend. Her chosen one was Vlad Sitdikov, who was also diagnosed with Down syndrome. Despite the disease, the young man achieved amazing success in sports: he is the world champion in the bench press among juniors.
Anna Netrebko and Thiago
The world opera star gave birth to her only son, Thiago, in 2008. At first it seemed that he was absolutely healthy and developing in the same way as ordinary children. However, when by the age of three the child had not learned to pronounce even elementary words, the parents decided to take him to the doctor. Thiago was diagnosed with a mild form of autism. The opera star did not fall into despair; she found first-class specialists who had tremendous experience in dealing with autistic children, and placed her son in one of the best specialized schools in New York.
Now Thiago is 8 years old; and he is making amazing progress. There was hope that the boy would be able to fully recover. On the air of the talk show “Let them talk,” Anna Netrebko addressed all mothers of autistic children:
“Believe me: this is not a sentence! There are methods that develop such children to normal standards.Colin Farrell and James
Colin Farrell's eldest son, James, has Angelman Syndrome, also known as Happy Doll Syndrome. Its symptoms: developmental delay, convulsions, causeless outbursts of fun. As for James, water causes him special joy. Colin Farrell says:
“He loves everything to do with water. If he gets upset about something, I just get a bowl of water.”
Despite the fact that Farrell broke up with James' mother a long time ago, he devotes a lot of time to raising his son:
“I love James, I'm crazy about him. He helps us all to become better, more honest, kinder…”
James took his first steps at the age of 4, at 7 he spoke and only at 13 he began to eat on his own. Despite this, Farrell claims that his son "drags him in his arms."
When Diesel, the youngest son of Toni Braxton, was 3 years old, doctors diagnosed him with autism. The singer blamed herself for the boy's illness; she believed that in this way God punished her for the abortion in 2001. At first, Tony fell into despair and sank into guilt. But for the sake of Diesel, she pulled herself together and turned to the best specialists, who helped the boy a lot. In 2016, Toni announced that her 13-year-old son had made a full recovery.
Sylvester Stallone and Sergio
Sergio, the youngest son of Sylvester Stallone, was born in 1979. When the boy was 3 years old, the parents decided to take him to the doctor, as they were alarmed by the child's isolation and inability to communicate. It turned out that the boy had a severe form of autism. For Stallone and his wife, this was a real shock. The doctors suggested placing Sergio in a special institution, but the parents did not want to hear about it. The whole burden of the struggle for the son fell on the shoulders of his mother. Stallone hardly showed up at home, working hard and earning money for Sergio's treatment.
Sergio is currently 38 years old. He lives in his own special world, from which he never leaves. His father often visits him, but, in his own words, he is unable to help his son.
Model Jenny McCarthy showed the world that autism can and should be fought. She proved this with her son Evan, who was diagnosed with the disease at an early age.
From early childhood, the best specialists worked with Evan, and the actress herself devoted a lot of time to the child. As a result, he learned to make friends and went to general education school. This is a huge improvement, given that the boy was previously unable to make simple eye contact.
Jenny believes that the vaccines were the cause of the disease (although modern medicine does not confirm that vaccination leads to autism spectrum disorders).
Jenny spoke about her experience in the book Louder Than Words. In addition, she organized a special fund that deals with the problems of autistic people.
In 2009, a terrible tragedy occurred in the family of John Travolta: the 16-year-old son of actor Jett died as a result of an epileptic seizure. Only after the death of the young man did the public learn that he had autism, as well as asthma and epilepsy. After losing his son, John Travolta fell into a long depression:
“His death was the most terrible ordeal in my life. I didn't even know if I could survive it."Danko and Agatha
3-year-old Agatha, the youngest daughter of singer Danko, has been diagnosed with a very serious disease since birth - a childhood cerebral paralysis. The cause of the disease was a difficult birth.
Doctors and relatives persuaded the singer to place the baby in a specialized institution or completely abandon her, believing that he and his wife would not be able to provide the girl with professional care. However, Danko did not even want to hear about giving his daughter into the wrong hands. Now the girl is surrounded by love and care of loved ones; with her a lot of work, and she has already begun to take the first steps.
Katie Price and Harvey
British model Katie Price is a mother of many children, she has five children. 15-year-old Harvey, her eldest son, is blind from birth; in addition, he was diagnosed with autism and Prader-Willi syndrome - a very rare genetic disease, one of the manifestations of which is an uncontrollable need for food and, as a result, obesity. The unfortunate boy has already drank a lot of grief: his own father, football player Dwight York, refused to see him, and later baby subjected to internet bullying.
Dan Marino and Michael
Michael, the son of American football player Dan Marino, was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. Thanks to timely and successful treatment, Michael, who is already 29 years old, lives an almost full life, and his parents founded a foundation to help children with autism spectrum disorder.
Konstantin Meladze and Valery
The son of music producer Konstantin Meladze suffers from autism. For a long time, the boy's parents hid this from the public, but after their divorce in 2013, Meladze's ex-wife gave a frank interview in which she talked about how difficult it is to raise an autistic child. She also advised all parents of special children to contact doctors as early as possible, since early diagnosis plays a huge role in the successful treatment of autism.
John McGinley and Max
Down syndrome was also diagnosed in 20-year-old Max, the eldest son of actor John McGinley. Although the star of the "Clinic" divorced the young man's mother a long time ago, he continues to take an active part in the life of his son. In an interview, McGinley addressed all parents whose children have Down syndrome.
“You didn't do anything wrong. This is not a punishment for the mistakes of your youth. The child has 21 chromosomes. You are not the only ones to whom God sent this miracle. And love. Love does wonders"Michael Douglas and Dylan
Dylan, the eldest son of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, has some developmental problems, but his parents do not disclose the exact diagnosis. Michael briefly mentioned his son's health in 2010, admitting that Dylan has "special needs".
Neil Young and his children
By a strange whim of fate, both sons from two marriages of a Canadian musician have cerebral palsy. This disease is not hereditary, so the appearance of two children with such a diagnosis in one family is a very rare coincidence.
Knowing firsthand about the problems of the disabled, Young and his wife Peggy founded a school for special children.
Robert De Niro and Elliot
The famous actor has six children. In 2012, at a press conference dedicated to the premiere of My Boyfriend Is a Crazy, de Niro admitted that his son Elliot, born in 1997, has autism.
Fyodor Bondarchuk and Varya
Varya, the daughter of Fedor and Svetlana Bondarchuk, was born prematurely in 2001. For this reason, the girl is a little behind in development. Parents do not consider their daughter sick, preferring to call her "special". Varya's mother enthusiastically talks about her:
“Fantastic, funny and much loved baby. It is simply impossible not to love her. She is very bright."
Most of the time, Varya lives away from her parents, abroad, where she receives quality treatment and education.
Sergei Belogolovtsev and Zhenya
The younger children of actor Sergei Belogolovtsev, the twins Sasha and Zhenya, were born prematurely. Zhenya was diagnosed with 4 heart defects, so he had to undergo major surgery, after which the child developed cerebral palsy. At first, the parents hid this diagnosis from others and were even embarrassed by their own son. But soon they realized that by talking about their problem and sharing their experience, they could help many people.
And Zhenya is doing well: he graduated from a school for gifted children, went to college and even became a TV presenter. Now he is broadcasting "Various News" on the TV channel Raz T.V.
A genetic anomaly in the structure of chromosomes can be expressed in different ways. There are very difficult cases in which a sick person is not capable of almost anything. But a mild form of the disease allows you to maintain a quality lifestyle, as we are convinced by famous people with Down syndrome, about whom it makes sense to talk in more detail.
Regardless of the causes of a chromosomal abnormality leading to a serious illness - Down syndrome, for parents, the birth of a child with such a diagnosis is a real tragedy. It is impossible to cure, congenital pathology will accompany a person all his life. There are only auxiliary methods, thanks to which you can teach the baby to serve himself, to develop elementary skills. With a serious form, hope for more or less quality life do not have to. But if the disease manifests itself in a mild form, then it makes sense to take care of the child from childhood and not give up. Celebrities with Down syndrome are proof that their beloved child with the “child of the Sun” syndrome has a great future ahead of them.
Madeleine Stewart is an Australian model with Down syndrome.
The main action of parents at the birth of a sick child is not to despair. Anyway, new life means happiness. Yes, unlike others, you will have to devote more time to the newborn, but it is worth remembering the golden rule - Down syndrome is not a sentence.
A baby is a blessing from above, for the sake of which it is necessary to live and enjoy this life. Famous people with Down syndrome and their grateful, happy parents repeat this many times. The latter, in turn, reap the fruits of their love and participation in the life of their beloved child and do not regret for a second that their child is a little different from others. Let us recall at least a few outstanding personalities who have reached unprecedented heights in this difficult life.
Famous people with Down syndrome: the disease is not a problem for targeted
Few people know that there is a day when people with the diagnosis we describe are treated with special respect. March 21 is the day of people with Down syndrome, accepted by the world community. Someone will say that there are other dates dedicated to other types of diseases. But the category of Downs includes great people: lawyers, actors, models, athletes, outstanding scientists, philosophers, etc.
Model with Down syndrome - Madeleine from Australia
About a few years ago, young Australian Madeleine Stewart made her debut on the catwalk. Her first appearance caused a mixed reaction - some were delighted, others wondered how the girl with a serious illness managed to achieve such success. The conversations did not have time to subside, as she again conquered the podium already outside her homeland. Mad's career has gone uphill, and there is no reason to stop and grumble at life. And so, the week of the highest fashion in New York was marked not only by a unique show of the leading couturiers of the world, but also by the appearance on the stage of Mud Stuart. The girl pranced along the catwalk in tight leggings, a light top and amazed the audience with grace, ease of movement. It is for this reason that she is trusted to defile in a sports type of clothing, directly associated with lightness and ease.
Sergey Makarov: an actor with Down syndrome received a prize
Another refutation of misconceptions and monstrous myths about this disease is a vivid and instructive example of Sergei Makarov. From childhood he was prepared unenviable fate. It is difficult for Sergey to remember those years when no one wanted to be friends with him, to accept him at school. The worst thing is that the doctors refused to treat the child and, according to them, his life will last up to a maximum of 17 years. It would be interesting to look at the faces of these specialists when Makarov became the movie hero of the year and gained true fame as an excellent actor. This event happened already in 2004, when he, with a congenital ailment, had long crossed the line of a 17-year-old boy. Unfortunately, domestic cinema rarely attracts a talented sunny person, and, apparently, loses a lot.
People with such a disease can manifest themselves brightly in rare cases, so it is necessary, no matter how rude it may sound, to use their individuality and abilities, the extraordinary image.
Russian film actor Sergei Makarov also suffers from Down syndrome
Celebrity Sunshine Kids
A well-known politician and simply a beautiful, smartest woman, Irina Khakamada has always been distinguished by her determination. At the age of 42, she again surprised the public by giving birth to a child at such a respected age. At first, she steadfastly endured the test, her daughter Masha was treated for leukemia. When the disease was over, a couple of years later, Irina visited the premiere of a foreign film with her daughter and everyone saw that Mashenka was suffering from Down syndrome. In the eyes of people, Irina Khakamada has earned even more respect and honor, because in spite of everything, she continues to enjoy life with her children and makes every effort to make them feel maternal love and care.
Iya Sergeevna Savvina: the only joy is a sunny son
The famous actress, the heroine of the film adaptations of great works, Iya Savvina, raised her son with a severe form of Down syndrome all her life. Rumor has it that immediately after the birth of a sick baby, she was persuaded by her own relatives to abandon him. But the actress flatly refused. Savvina made every effort to ensure that Sergei grew up in an atmosphere of love, harmony, and care. Thanks to the efforts of his mother and grandmother, the boy has extraordinary talents: he delightfully plays the piano, knows foreign languages. Despite the national fame, she was afraid that her beloved Seryozha would be difficult to live without her. She dreamed of only one thing - to leave with her son on the same day. Doctors claimed that Seryozha would not live long, but he managed to outlive his mother and cross the 50-year mark, which became amazing fact in the circle of experts.
Important: Sergey is included in the Guinness Book of Records as a person with sun sickness and a long lifespan. According to the stepfather, the son of the actress has a light and kind disposition, always welcoming and in a great mood.
Successful people with Down Syndrome
It is difficult to get world recognition not only for a person with some kind of illness, but also for a completely healthy person. But the already famous actor with a solar diagnosis, Pablo Pineda, succeeded in this. The Silver Shell Prize was awarded to him for the best male role in the film Me Too. For Pablo, cinema is not an end in itself, it’s just that the Spanish director noticed his talents. Up to this point, the actor received several diplomas, including in the field of pedagogy, art, teaching. Pineda works in the city municipality, and received from the hands of the mayor of Malaga the important award "Shield of the City".
Pablo Pineda is another successful actor with Down syndrome
Important: Pablo Pineda is the first, and so far the only person to have graduated from a university.
Roni is a youtube star
Famous people with Down syndrome also include the YouTube star, American composer, musician Ronald Jenkins. His parents began to panic after the birth of a sick child and put all their care and love into their beloved child. When Ron was 6 years old, he was given a synthesizer, and surprisingly, he began to play on his own, without the help of teachers. At first, light, uncomplicated melodies were played. A positive thing in Ronald's life is that he always had friends, and no one refused to communicate with him. It was with such friends that he began to play musical group at school, playing without notes. Now Roni is the most famous musician, most listeners consider him a modern genius. Since 2003, he has performed under the name "Wig Cheese" and every new composition posting on the net.
Children of the Sun - public attitude
If we continue to list the most famous people with Down syndrome, then the list will be long. And what is nice, in recent decades, attitudes towards people with such a diagnosis have become an order of magnitude better. Much credit for this modern medicine and the indifferent public, striving not only to alleviate, but also to create all the conditions for the full development of people suffering from pathology. After all, an ailment can affect anyone, because for this the slightest pathology in the structure of chromosomes is enough. The disease has no racial, age boundaries, there are even blacks with Down syndrome, whose photos will convince every reader.
Musician Ronald Jenkins is a real Youtube star
It is important to see a full-fledged child in the baby and devote your life to him. After all, doctors still cannot determine exactly what Down syndrome is - famous people completely refute the assertion that this is a disease, but a truly sunny condition.
Find out more about the many talents of actors, models, celebrities, scientists, politicians, entrepreneurs with Down's Syndrome, and stars raising sunny kids. Enjoy!
Luke Zimmerman
Actor with Down Syndrome, starred in the ABC family series " secret life American teenager. The role of Tom Bowman, Grace's older brother, brought popularity and success. Featured in Glee 2013 episode "Movin' Out".
Lauren Potter
The blonde-haired actress with Down's Syndrome gained popularity on the television show Glee, where she played Becky Jackson.
Tommy Jessop
Star of the BBC Growth Up Down's, the British documentary Growing Down. A film about three people with Down syndrome, their daily ups and downs when Shakespeare's play Hamlet is staged. The actor has been working in television since 2007, starring with Nicholas Hoult in Coming Down the Mountain.
Chris Burke
Christos Burke is a Goodwill Ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). Used celebrity status to spread the word about Down Syndrome around the world. Known for playing the beloved brother, Korchi of the Tkhahera family, on the popular TV show Life Goes On. Long career in Hollywood includes roles in the film Mona Lisa Smile, series such as ER, Touched by Angel.
Edward Barbanell
Comedian, scene stealer from comedies The Ringer, Workaholics, The New normal. Performed with "Jackass 3D" guest Johnny Knoxville. Starred in the indie hit Dorian Blues.
Jamie Brewer
The actress who appeared in American history horror- "American Horror Story: Coven", where he plays the clairvoyant witch Nana.
A model with Down Syndrome walks the runway at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, New York's haute couture week. Fights for the rights of the disabled in Texas.
Michael Johnson
Renowned artist, exhibited work at Vanderbilt University. Created over 500 commissioned paintings. His art has been featured on the cover of the American Journal of Public Health.
Valentina Guerrero
The youngest and most popular model of the fashion world in 2012. She started her career when she was less than a year. The cute smile went viral in a couple of days, achieving the most desired dream of any model - the cover of People magazine.
Ayelene Barreiro
Selected to participate as a dancer in one of the popular dance shows South America organized by the famous Argentine celebrity Marcelo Tinelli.
Eli Reimer
First person to reach Everest Base Camp, 2012. Full year training with his father showed that he has physical strength, mental focus, discipline, endurance.
Judith Scott
She was a world famous American fiber sculptor. Judith was born into a middle class family in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1943 with her twin sister Joyce. Unlike Joyce, Judith
