My friends know that I love to joke and my smile is a big part of who I am.
It wasn’t always that way. I was born with facial nerve paralysis and I didn’t want to smile or laugh in case someone asked, “what’s wrong with your face?”
From a young age, my parents encouraged me to build up my confidence by becoming involved in the performing arts, and to this day I am active in dance, acting, and musical theatre.
That performing experience has helped me say yes to some amazing opportunities with AboutFace.
This summer, I’m planning to attend Camp Trailblazers in Manitoba for the third time, and I plan to eventually be a camp counsellor. I’ve been interviewed on radio and TV to bring awareness to people with facial differences. And I was one of seven people who took part in the Beyond My Face awareness video campaign.
Now I’m a member of the AboutFace Youth Advisory Committee that is working to connect youth across Canada. I want to encourage other kids in the facial difference community to say yes to opportunities that might feel a little scary at first.
Because the more we speak out, the more we will show the world who we really are.
I am brother. I am a son. I am creative and funny. I am an advocate.
