Lizzie Velasquez: Born With Genetic Diseases

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Sam Berns and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Velasquez were both born with genetic diseases. Even some might see their conditions as unfortunate and pity them they were happy and found ways to live and thrive with their diseases. They both became sources of inspiration to the world. Sam Berns had a movie made about him and his family, Life According to Sam, to share his story of survival and inspiration. Lizzie Velasquez became a motivational speaker to shared stories with the world fulfill her purpose and touch others with her story of bullying and insecurity. Even though both of these figure \s have some points of agreement they also are different from each other. Sam Berns was a seventeen year old junior who was born with the illness progeria, a genetic …show more content…

Due to her disease she is small, visually impaired, and weighs less than 64 pounds. She, like Sam Berns is an optimist, and even though her life has been difficult she believed that it has been ok and that every negative had a positive. She liked to believe that her syndrome did not define who she was and unlike Sam Berns she believed her success and accomplishments defined who she was. She believed in using others negativity as a ladder to reach her dreams. Like Sam Berns she had dreams such as going to college, having a family, publishing a book, and having a career as a motivational speaker. Similarly to Sam Berns she found ways to accomplish her goals and has become a college graduate, published three books, and has a career as a motivational speaker. Similarly to Sam she wished to share her story with others and that “[t]o be able to connect with people around the world who are touched by my story and now feel confident to stand up for themselves makes me feel like I'm living out my purpose” (Zaslow). On a final note, Sam Berns and Lizzie Velasquez are truly brave for being able to embrace who they are and use it to inspire others to do the same. Sam Berns later died from complication of Progeria. His legacy will continue to live on through the people he has touched. Lizzie Velasquez continues share her story and inspire others to be themselves. Even though they have many differences the two figures are also drastically

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