It’s always a powerful thing to watch young people pioneer strength and inner beauty, particularly when overcoming incredible physical and mental hurdles in the process.
Jonathan Pitre from Russell, Ontario — sometimes called the “Butterfly Child” — has helped put a human face to the struggles of living with a disability that transforms his body into something people don’t always understand. He suffers from epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a very rare and painful genetic skin condition that blisters his skin when it’s touched. But Pitre shows us what awe-inspiring compassion and bravery can emerge from living with his condition.
There are so many ways we continue to see this, and we’re prepared to share yet another incredible video with you. Hunter Steinitz suffers from a condition called harlequin syndrome. Many people think she’s been badly burned, as her condition makes her skin thick and dry. But this bright teen has overcome bullying to unimaginable extremes to find peace in herself, and she has some very sage advice.
“People need to understand that it’s okay to be different. It’s okay to not fit the norm,” she says. “Because there is no norm.” Wise words from a very young girl, and some we’d all be wise to listen to.
Please SHARE Hunter’s incredible story and message.
