Living to the fullest with Down Syndrome
An internationally renowned speaker explains why suffering from Down Syndrome does not disable you to do great things in life.
Do you believe in miracles?
Sheri Brynard, a 34-year-old woman who suffers from Down Syndrome (DS), could be the reason you will start to believe.
“Sheri is special for various reasons,” her mother, Susette Brynard said.
Susette has a Doctor of Science degree from the University of the Free State and is also Sheri’s biggest supporter.
Sheri is the only sufferer of DS in South Africa to have a national diploma and the only sufferer of DS in the world to hold a national teacher’s diploma. She is also a motivational speaker and was the key note speaker at last year’s Down Syndrome International Conference in India.
“My dream for the world is to give disabled people opportunities so they also can contribute to the world,” Sheri said at the West Rand School (for the disabled) on 29 January.
“We must be grateful for life and live it to the fullest,” she said.
Sheri is fluent in English and Afrikaans and while giving motivational speeches, words just flow naturally from her. With a few of West Rand School’s own pupils who attended the talk, she surely inspired those with disabilities.
Susette said having a baby, even if the child has DS, is a blessing.
“It was very hard back then. When Sheri was born, disabled people still were hidden from society. Parents would try and convince themselves that their child is normal or they would pray for them to become normal,” she said.
But Sheri has a very optimistic view of DS.
“I have an extra chromosome and that makes me unique. I can still do the things other people do, even if I am a bit different,” she said.
Related articles:
• [VIDEO] Disabled need your support
• The amazing good you can do with a bread tag
• Skool vir gestremdes palm medaljes in
