I recently met THE most inspiring young man I have met in my life. I have met a LOT of inspiring people but none as inspirational as Dean.
Born with a very rare skin condition Dean was not diagnosed until he was two - which meant he spent two years in agony without anyone knowing! His extraordinary parents and sister nurtured him but it's his own incredible spirit that has led him to be the longest living survivor of this condition in the world.
He had no skin on his face until he was 17. His face was just raw flesh so I don't think any of us can imagine what difficulties he had to work through. Apart from the obvious aspects of pain and infection and ridicule or horror, he could not attend school regularly or have anything like a normal life.
Despite all that, his passion is to help others overcome their own problems and to remind us all of the value of true respect - for ourselves and others. A truly worth cause in my opinion and one that is much needed.
He taught himself to walk when he was invited to carry an Olympic torch at the Sydney Olympic games by holding himself above a treadmill and forcing his legs to move with the treadmill until they loosened up and became stronger. As a physiotherapist, I can tell you that this not only would have taken amazing strength but also amazing courage - it would have been incredibly painful.
Being passionate about sports but obviously not being able to play them, he has become the main motivator for the Brisbane Broncos!
And after having met him, I can tell you that NOTHING In your life will ever get you down again once you meet him.
All of your problems, no matter how large, will be put into perspective once you hear him speak or meet him.
He is just starting out on his speaking career and I am recommending him to anyone I can - he may not be a seasoned professional yet, but his message needs to be heard by ALL children and their parents! By ALL people in companies to remind us of what really matters in life.
I forgot to mention - his association with the broncos provided him with the chance to start weight lifting - something he found he could do with minimal harm to his skin - still risky but remember how courageous he is!
Have a look at his website deanclifford.com
He has done the website himself with the help of a friend - so before you judge - remember he really could not go to school - it would have killed him, literally.
He struggled daily to stay alive having been given a life expectancy of 2 years when he was born...so keep that in mind as you look at his great site! Another indication of his capcaity for courage.
If his story doesn't inspire you, nothing will! Wait till you meet him!
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