A young man named Justin G has made it his mission to show people that he is more than his disability – and they are, too!
Videos by InspireMore
The Boston, Massachusetts, man is 25 years old and has DiGeorge syndrome, also known as 22Q syndrome. In other words, part of his 22nd chromosome is missing.
There are many possible symptoms for 22Q. Justin has heart problems and learning difficulties, but he overcomes these challenges with his perpetually positive attitude and determination to succeed.
On World Kindness Day in 2020, Justin got a taste of viral fame when a tweet he shared touched a nerve among other people with disabilities.
I have special needs it doesnt matter if my heart is different or my brain is different or if i have a different body or my voice is different i can do anything i put my mind to dont let your disability take control only you are
– Justin G (@syndrome22q1) November 13, 2020
#WorldKindnessDay pic.twitter.com/LbLzXHrwWI
“I have special needs,” he wrote. “It doesn’t matter if my heart is different or my brain is different or if I have a different body or my voice is different I can do anything I put my mind to don’t let your disability take control only you are.”
The tweet was widely shared, even earning praise from actor Mark Hamill.
Justin went on to build a large following on Twitter, often receiving thousands of comments whenever he asks for “happy birthday” wishes. Using his social media platform, Justin wants to raise awareness for 22Q and encourage other people with disabilities to never give up.
“I want to share people with special needs you can a job and you can’t let your disability get in the way,” he said.
Recently, Justin had some big news to share. In a tweet, he announced that he landed his first job ever, and his fans couldn’t be more excited for him!
“I got the Job I am Starting Early Next week I am in a loss of words and do not know what to say other then let’s party this is my first ever job in my whole life I won’t let my disability stop me,” he wrote.
With help from his cousin and best friend, Justin earned a job making social media posts for Charge Across America, a TV docuseries about racing electric cars. He couldn’t be happier about the job, but it’s his community’s wonderful response that made his achievement even sweeter.
“I feel so amazing the internet is celebrating my success,” he said. “I felt so, so, so happy and shocked when I was getting tons of support.”
Justin is loving his new job, and we couldn’t be prouder of him for using his platform to break stigmas and knock down more walls.
Share this story to spread his powerful message: We can do anything we set our minds to!
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