Brooke

When Brooke was born, I was always trying to fix her…not realizing she was fixing me. She is such an amazing human, with such a big heart, and never gives up.”

Brooke, 17, is a young entrepreneur, cheerleader, and Broadway fan from New Hope, Pennsylvania. Now an 11th grader, she’s also participated in soccer, basketball, school plays, and in choir. (Fun fact: Brooke even traveled to Italy to sing with the choir at The Vatican). She’s won gold and silver medals with Special Olympics swimming, and has been cheerleading since she was 5. Back at home, Brooke likes to ride her bicycle around the neighborhood, ice skate, and surf while at her family’s beach house.

Some of Brooke’s current ventures include her soap business, a beach jewelry business (from shells and sea glass collected from various beaches), and a dog-walking services with several regular canine clients. In her remaining time, Brooke likes to take photos with her phone, sing and dance, listen to the Jonas Brothers, and watch Camp Rock 2. Favorite musicals include Hamilton, 42nd Street, Hairspray, and Mamma Mia.

Brooke would eventually like to work with seniors in a retirement home, possibly as a fitness trainer. “OR be a Broadway star!” she says.

According to her mother Annette, Brooke is very independent, making herself “breakfast and a sandwich for lunch.” She adds, “She has done everything I ever dreamed she could do had she been born with out a diagnosis; actually, she has done things with more enthusiasm thank some of her typical peers. There truly are no limits to what she can do, only limits of others... She is breaking boundaries daily!”

She continues: “Always listen to your heart! It will never be wrong. Don’t be afraid to challenge doctors, school officials, family or friends; you will know your child best! There may be tears, but so much more joy! Keep going, your child will be rewarded richly! Enjoy every stage, and age. Your child WILL do everything other children do, in their own way, in their own time.”