Soeren Palumbo Fremd HS Speech 2/28/07

[ccfam91]

GREAT heartfelt speech, but unfortunately NO one will ever understand- until they personally walk in the shoes of the family or person with someone with special needs!

[SouthSideCrusade]

this kid is such a retard haha jk.... but seriously good speech and im not gonna say it anymore

[jlmcbrien]

I am the parent of a brilliant 27-year old with Asperger's, and I know both his pain and my own at the constant scapegoating he has endured from peers, teachers, and now employers. Whenever we hike or walk the beach, he points out things I would never notice on my own. I wish he would be respected and valued for who he is, but even in employment, peers and superiors treat him like he is stupid.

[lillymml]

Most inspirational and beautiful video I have ever seen! I am praying for Olivia and her family and every child and adult in this world that doesn't realize the extreme harm their doing by discrimination!

[Shmoeseph12345]

This is one of the most inspiring speeches ever. A while after I heard this, I heard one of my friends say the r word and I slapped him across the face.

[thomasthemtman]

Bro im really happy for you and your powerful essay, i also have a sister who i love but you cant just ban a word!! RETARD has more than one meaning, i try not to use that word in a hateful way, but im just saying who named you the word banning man

[austom555]

@thomasthemtman no it doesnt

[britrob24]

I don't even use the word anyway. Still a nice speech, though.

[aaaaaa001001]

The only problem I have with this speech is how much he downplays all other discrimination. I do agree that we need to stop using the word retard. It's not okay either, and if his extreme stance was just for the effect of his speech, okay, but it sounds like he truly thinks the biggest crime against humanity is the verbal oppression of those mentally handicapped, not the physical, psychological, and even violent oppression of different ethnic and religious groups around the world.

[britrob24]

@aaaaaa001001

I agree, but I think his point in backing that was his view that those other forms of discrimination involve people who can "defend" themselves, while those who are intellectually disabled cannot.

[aaaaaa001001]

@britrob24 agreed

[TheJevo142558]

Spread the Word

To End the Word

Don't use the R Word!!

There's a poster that says that in my school <3

[kassiandkody]

This is an amazing speech...!

[TheGEE95]

i dont use the word retard anymore, or gay. i use lame, and stupid.

[shibainu519]

i go to this high school!

[NataliezLikeWhoa]

@shibainu519 I was there.

[Kpup534aolcom]

this was very inspiring for me!!

[hollowleg911]

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING....

[Zolwena]

Spread the word to end the word!

[Cyrraeve]

Thank you for this video. As the mother of an R word child, this really hits home for me.

[dfuller099]

Very moving speech, Soeren! Nice job. Britli (Kansas) Fuller's mom.

[abracadebra06]

I have the great honor of being Soeren's sister's bus driver this year. She is now a freshman. My name is also Debbie. She is always ready and waiting for her bus pick-up as are all my students. She greets me every morning with a great big smile and cheerful Good Morning! She still talks of Mr. B her gym teacher and looks forward to getting the mail everyday. I am truly blessed to have Olivia and all my students ride with me every morning and every afternoon. SPREAD THE WORD TO END THE WORD!

[silenthk47]

Im done saying it, Im absolutely done... what have I done

[birds16ful]

Treat your classmates or friends with disabilities the same way & you want to be treated. I am 17 yrs old girl with Hemiplegia Cerebral Palsy.

[Heneuso]

I am from Germany and like this speech a lot. It is very touching.

Thanks for putting it on YouTube so everybody can listen to it.

[laurliy11]

I have a younger brother with Down Syndrome, he has tought be so very much and I really have no idea why anyone would want to say anything bad about someone so adorable! This is such a good speech and I'm so glad you took your time to write this. Very touching! WAY TO GOOO (:

[coolcaro100]

thanks i did this to my class 2 :) u rock

[ELiZiSSNAZZY521]

today this was shown to my whole middle school throughout the tv's.

it was so inspiring. your amazing.

[TiffKeiller]

Thank you Soren for your beautiful words. As a mother of a child with special needs they speak directly to my heart. I hope that everyone that heard them and everyone who hears them learns from them and we can all learn to love and respect each other. Brava!

[moneymaker5456]

"I like this video very much .."Well said".."And I too have a child, grandchildren's with disabilities ."So I know lst hand how ."Word's"..like.....Retard or Retarded..."Can really hurt someone's feeling's.."God created us...."All...."So I know he dosen't like nor agree with word's such as the above......"Alway's show your love,respect toward's people with disabilitie's....."Because they too are ....."Very Special, Exspecially In one's ..."Heart"....Signed....A Careing Heart ....Antioch,Ca....

[OoooooooooohSnap]

Soren - I am with you all the way! It's terrible that people use the word so ignorantly. My little brother has Down syndrome - he is an angel to me and has taught me more that anyone ever could!

[awags18]

No one has said it better. Way to go man!

[StopActionGuy]

This is awesome. I have a brother with Down Syndrome, also a disability. I agree with everything that was said. Very cool!

[sndd0138]

The Man.

[a5moment93]

this was beautiful. i have an autistic brother and i work at a camp for children and adults with disabilities, and am completely in love with both of them. you made me realize how much of a hypocrite i can be, regardless of my surroundings. i'm quick to criticize when someone drops the "R" bomb, yet am completely guilty of using it. i agree with the part about not trading Olivia for anything. the happiness my brother finds in the simple things in life keeps my heart beating. God bless you both!

[nobeesallowed]

I am breathless. I am speechless. I have tears on my cheeks. I honor you, I honor Olivia. Please, keep teaching the world about the "Special Needs" community, you have a tremendous gift. (PS-my son has hemiplegia CP, speech apraxia, and dysarthria). God bless you!

[ucgirlie24]

I have soooo much respect for you and everything you said in this speech! I was just having this conversation with a friend of mine, and its nice to know that there are others out there that feel the same way we do. Great Job and Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[lilmissbarber]

amazing

[bissells]

{{{HUG}}} thanks!

[MansonFreak224]

that was an amazing speech and i agree with every word...I'm glad 2 finally see someone speak out against such a subject...amazing

[chiccq]

That was an AWESOME speech ♥

[AJlovesgod]

my bro is very disable just like his sis.... im so happy to c thta someone is helping with a change... i have tried to start something but the community don

[NathanJackLouttit]

Soeren has spoken in our community to about a 1000 students and teachers at 7 different schools. He has inspired many people to be more thoughtful about their words and some kids have started their own End the R word campaigns. He is a very powerful speaker and advocate for people with disabilities. He has changed the world in a small way out of his love for his sister.

[kickinwhatserface]

Nice to see a young man standing up for what he believes in. I am a mother of a great young man myself, who has multiple needs. I also work as an educational assistant, often with students with various needs. My students and friends have often listened to my mini lesson on why you shouldn't use this offensive term. Most people have been receptive to what I have to say, and make an effort not to say it... at least not in front of me! Great job Soeren!

[Laithes007]

I agree too much rascism and such goin on on the internet.

[RossiHicksfield]

I am taking my stand. My intent is to give a very simalr speech to my school with the permission of my principal ( i hope she's nice). Thanks for the inspiration.

[forfdawg]

this guy is the man

[OmniPhobic89]

brought a tear to my eye...well done!

[xyling]

Bravo.

[pony74]

What a beautiful speech. We got one of those Spread the Word to End the Word papers today in school. It said to look you up. How amazing. Wonderful.

[rigeliscoll]

My baby brother has Down's Syndrome. This hit home. Thank you. My family has been working on getting people in our community to quit saying this horrible word. I'm trying to get my friends to stop on it too. You took the words right out of our mouths. Perfect. Thank you so much.

[awesomest321xoxo]

GUESS WHAT

he was justt at Notre Dame like an hour ago

AND MY FRIEND moriah MET HIM :]

how COOL is that>?

"even cuter in person"

[agray642]

that was very powerful and inspiring!

[hollyho418]

I have read this in a forwarded email but it was much more touching to actually see the speech. What an amazing kid! Thank you Soeren for standing up and being heard.

Holly

Mom to Jake, who has Down syndrome and Autism.

[soontobeemd]

Yes! I hate when people use this word. It is disgraceful. I yell at my friends when they say it. I'm showing them this video.

[snowbordinchick334]

this influenced me 2 stop using the word retarted... i am now using the word stupid..

[IANxHECOX]

wow, this is good, how old is he? im impressed

[WilDnUnConTROlleD]

19 or 20 right now.. He went to my high school. He performed this at what Writer's Week at Fremd. I watched. It was just so amazing. And it touched my heart. I cried.

[DonChorolo]

Powerful speech. My repsects, and gratitude to this young man.

[angerXpastXurXlips]

ppl if u thought his speech was as awesome i as i thought it was then u should read flowers for algernon

[chiefsfan42]

That dude has stones.

[ShadowsGuitarist]

dude im a freshman at fremd and nice job dude. u really moved me , i havnt said the word since :)

[CSIAddict]

WOW amazing You have a power and you have relized that we can make a difference

[audrey1w]

wow. you are amazing and so is this speech. i hope it opens everyone's eyes and stops this hate.

[schreinerpat]

Soeren you did the right thing

 from Kelley

[Isochest]

People who hate the disabled, gays other races etc. are projecting their own inadequacy possibly due to a personality disorder they may have onto others. It's a bullying technique they use as an attempt to negatively influence and control others. We all need to sing from the same hymnsheet and make such hate unnacceptable. Social proof is a powerful thing as these bullies know: We need to use social proof to positively influence the majority.

[maemmfc]

Thank God, at least there's someone else in my generation who sees things the same way I do.

[daisey172]

I have to applaude this speech!! For a young person in this day in age to see the hate that still goes on and give a speech like that still gives me hope that peace on this earth as we know it can and possibily can still happen.

[nyomenda]

Thanks a lot for the enlightment. I am a special education teacher and it hurts so much every time I hear people use the "R" Word. This video clip is excellent and I hope many more people will watch it and change their attitude about people with disabilities. They are people first. Bravo to you Soeren.

Achenchi Bogonko

[cjamer37]

Bravo to you! Thank you for giving your sister, my son, Ryan, and many more individuals with a disability a voice. I make it a point to stop people when I hear them say the "R" word and explain whether they want to hear it or not how much that word hurts! Many thanks Soeren!

[lisastm]

Thank you for that wonderful speech!!! My third child was born with down syndrome, he is 7years old! I worry all the time that one day someone is going to say the R word to him! His sister have heard their classmate use it and it hurts them so much! But, as you said, its not just children, its also adults! God Bless you and your family! This could be the beginning of acceptance in our society!

[ibeawicked1]

thank you for sharing this with us. i wish everyone saw life from your point of view!

[prtati87]

omg. this video had me crying. i seriously loved it & i wish everyone could hear him say that exact speech. this is something everyone should hear. it's so true how people dismiss the word as nothing but then cringe when they hear a word like "faggot" or other racial derogatory terms. i seriously love this kid. we need more people like him!!

[ENCOREGUITARIST]

this is a great speech...good job man

[awesomest321xoxo]

is this the vid we have to watch for omally?

[ENCOREGUITARIST]

ya this is the vid we have to watch for omally...

[awesomest321xoxo]

okee doke

[awesomest321xoxo]

hey who marked god bless olivia as spam?

[jdebr001]

YOu should be proud of yourself. I wish everyone looked at people with special needs the same way you do. No matter how hard we work and advocate, the 'r' word is still used.

How sad.

[AnnieGoat1]

Wonderfully said!!

[Jawajoey]

Cruel discrimination against retarded people is wrong, especially because they can't defend themselves, true. But 'retard' isn't an arbitrary label that has been perverted into a slur, it's a word that describes a general negative condition. If I call a friend a retard, I do so to intentionally because it is a negative thing, an insult, like "stupid" or "ugly." To normal people, it's an insult, to the retarded, it's an insensitive thing to say. But what makes the word hateful or discriminatory?

[saragoza11]

I would say that what makes it hateful is, as you say yourself, by calling someone retarded as an insult, you are also likening BEING retarded to "stupid" or "ugly". It'is very much an epithet.

[Birthwithadoula]

The same way, nig.. or Jew or Indian giver, or colored, have hate surrounding them. You never know who is near you. Is it worth it to say something if you are not only insulting the person you are calling that but also many more with that one word? Spend some time with a thesaurus or dictionary and see if you can find a better word to use. Doing that will make you look nicer and smarter:).

[Jawajoey]

A thesaurus? So if I wanted to call a black person a nig*** as an insult, I could use a thesaurus to find the phrase "African American" and use that in an intentionally derogatory way, and it'd be better?

If I call a non-retarded person retarded, it IS an insult, because it is a negative condition. I can't mask that by using another word, why would I? Ugliness, like retardation, is a generally negative condition, do I need a synonym for that, too? It "ugly" a hate-filled word because it's mean?

[Birthwithadoula]

I did not really mean find a way to be mean with another word. I meant find a different way to express yourself. You could always say, "that was not a very smart thing to do". How does that insult anyone, but maybe the person you are talking to. It is possible to convey a meaning without insulting someone or everyone.

[ldedici]

I am sure that this student never intended to change the world with this one speech. Having seen this many times and have cried and cried bc I know its tru. I have been on both sides and I am new or even been on this UTUBE so risking being noticed for my beliefs. I wish to and hope the school system will fight and advocate more and support the invisible population. I hope I could meet this brave boy that has demontrats such qualities that every man should have.Bravo Soeren I hope u do love&dare2

[Timmysmom1298]

Soeren- I am the proud mother of a young man who, like Olivia has a disability. Thank you so much for being brave & speaking the truth regarding the cruelty that people who have disabilities face every day. You are wise & compassionate well beyond your years. Please keep sharing, fighting & advocating. You are making an impact & improving this world we live in.

I have already made a young woman who works with my son watch your

[icanseeyou662]

he is so right

[RoseSiegel]

beautiful and favorited. i'm speechless.

[Hillsdale88]

God Bless Soeren Palumbo!!!!

[mrdlrn07]

I am in tears. The last sibling who honored a brother or sister in such a loving and eloquent manner was John Cappelletti who dedicated his Heisman Trophy to his brother Joey. This young man is a hero and a star. God bless him and his inspiring sister.

[JDMaddaloni]

wow, this kid is absolutely correct, and should be heard by everyone

Great job Soeren!

[LeahSaylor2Punkins]

This brought tears to me eyes. As a mom to a special needs son, this is a very touching speech. I am very proud of this young man for giving this speech! This speech should be read at every school.

[nicolecacc23]

Wow! As a special education teacher and a mom to a child who has Down Syndrome, I wish Soeren's message could reach all children--and their parents and teachers! I'm doing my part to make sure that my child doesn't grow up hearing that word and I hope others will follow Soeren's lead.

Thank you Soeren, for putting into words what I sometimes have a hard time expressing to people I encounter who use this hateful word.

[bbbuffalo]

Quite possibly the most powerful and necessary speech ever shown on You Tube.

Those who don't have someone with special needs in their lives have a hard time understanding.

I didn't understand until my special son was born.

Thank you Soren. This speech makes the world a better place.

[NashwaK]

Ive started a campaogn to change the way my community treats those who face mental disabilities. I just stumbled upon this this speech , my cousin is severly mentally handicap . We are close in age , this is so inspirational it'ss keep me going on my long campaign.

[kcr4570]

That was beautiful! when I was on the forensics team I only WiSH I had thought to make a speech that was THIS important! You are awesome!

[artiste37]

Applause and {{{{BIG HUGS}}} to you Soeren!! My dad's brother was severely crippled with polio during the polio epidemic, and the stigmas and the cruel things they had to endure is very heartbreaking. When my dad recounts these memories, which he has done for as long as I can remember It's the only time I've ever seen my daddy cry. And now we have been blessed with Hayden (my nephew) who has a congenital brain malformation causing developmental delay. Special needs=Special blessings!

[1020pmg]

Unconditional love is contagious......catch it. Help those who have not been exposed to it. Revel in the understanding of it. Spread it!!

[KelsEllie]

That was the most incredible thing I have ever heard in my life. I would love to meet you.

[bnc3123]

You're a truly amazing young man!! Thanks for your strength. Your sister and my son will be able to live better lives b/c of it!

[scootboard1]

Thanks for the speech but its way more than that. I can walk up side down but not up right, I am studying to become a public speaker with my life for the rest of my Lord Willing. My friend eathen butler wrote a song for people likeyour sister and me. He also has a siter who has a disaiblty and he talks just like you the song is on his my space page thanks for your tim to read this. my e-mail address is my id but the 1 is a

5@yahoo.com write if you can please thanks

Psalm 71:5-6 & Job 23:10

[heybeAtle]

Wow. Thank you so much for giving that speech. My younger brother has down syndrome and autism and that just completely describes how I feel. It made me cry. I wish everyone could watch it.

[dave10387]

My daughter & son are counselors at the Abbie Rogers camp in Mississippi. It is a week of fun and independence for the mentally and physically challenged. Your speech was recommended by the staff. You are a special brother and a great advocate for your sister & others with mental & physical challenges. It is because of the experiences at this camp that my daughter has chosen to major in special education with special attention in adult care. I admire your compassion and honor for our kids.

[sparkylulu61]

My college teacher told us about this today. All I have to say is wow. That is one very..very..loving brother. It's just something you kind of ignore and dismiss, we all hear it in our daily routine, and we should feel ashamed. The whole speech got me but the part about the "short bus.." got me the most for some reason, because honestly, every one at some point or another has made fun of someone who rides the short bus for what ever reason.

This is an amazing speech.

[demonessgoddess]

In school we did something like this in class, but this, THIS hits hard. I cannot curse, I do not curse, but this puts me to shame, knowing what I hear in the halls on a daily basis. This speach destroyed me, and I hope it brings anyone who watches it to the brink of tears. I knew someone who had autism, and just because I knew them I was judged. I believe that they are poeple too. They deserve a normal life and I'm glad that someone is finally saying something for those who cannot speak....

[intltrvlr37]

Soeren, this is a wonderful speech. Olivia is very blessed to have you as a brother and one who will speak up for her. She may not be able to tell you verbally, but the light is on and she loves you. My granddaughter has Rett Syndrome and she is truly an earth angel among us. Keep up the great work and positive attitude for our special needs family members and friends.

[egward2]

angelmom...I was moved to tears by this amazing expression of love & respect for Soeren's sister. We have learned a higher form of love by having the gift of Claire. She has Angelmans Syndrome and is the joy in our lives. Her twin brother is her hero. I was so glad to be able to show him a way to defend her without using his fists. Your speech is as much a punch in the gut as a fist is. In fact more...it truly took my breath away. Olivia is so lucky God chose to give her to your family.

[egward2]

I am 14 years old my name is Josh Mann and my twin sister has angelman syndrome and i know the hate from the others around you and how much it hurts. I will never be able to have a conversation with my twin sister. She cannot speak. I used to beat up kids at the playground for saying that term retard to her. You feel like you cant make a difference and it sucks.I have had so many shrink sessions and have them say about my sister "oh thats cool" well guess what its not cool but i still love her.

[ElectricShark]

My best friend has fetal alchohol syndrome. However, I must disagree with one thing Soeren said. He said the developmentally disabled cannot defend themselves. That is not true. My friend saved my life back in high school and protected me from an abusive ex.

Also, I believe in Soeren's written speech, he says "Slanted Asian eyes."

Asian eyes are not slanted. They are almond shaped with an epicanthal fold. I am dating a Korean man.

Anyways, I do agree that the word "retard" is very hurtful.

[mbrightwell]

Fabulously done. We have a deplorable double standard in our country. We take huge offence at the smallest implications of racial prejudice, but request genetic testing from our doctors so we can abort our Downs syndrome babies. What makes a person valuable?

[graciesings4u]

Oh my goodness! I just saw this at the MASC State Convention in Webb City! It was amazing!! And i'm so glad that i could watch it again!

MASC HOW DO YOU FEEL?!?

[jacksragingjealousy]

amazing speech and very moving. but his generalizations of all of the mentally handicapped and assumption that even the mentally handicapped can escape human nature i find unsettling.

[NJMMGMGGMRDM]

Moving, inspirational. I'm sure Soeren's parents couldn't be more proud of him.

[Manlard]

my seventh grade english teacher mr. landerman told us about this speech :)

[markmatteo]

Good luck. I have a 6 year old son with Down syndrome. I have been battling with his school for over 1 1/2 years to be included. I am not willing to give up and I hope you won't either.

Change is good.

[atexasmw]

Great speech!

You are an amazing young man. My daughter has Down Syndrome. That word has cut deep over the years. I wish other people were like you. Thank you for standing up like you did.

[smileygirly99]

i really liked this!!!

[danis3angels]

couldn't have been said better...wish there were more people in the world like you Soeren...such a great young man, your family must be so proud of you! my daugther and my family thanks you for that speech!! i am forwarding this on to everyone i know!

[neostudded]

wow, your have raised a beautiful young man :D

[finngymnast]

that speech is AMAZING. I wish there were more people who think like you. I have a 19 year old brother who is autistic, and I have spent years using a cane/wheelchair because of physical problems. People have called me a 'retard' to my face, and I have heard people call my brother that as well. They don't realize how badly it hurts.

Olivia is so blessed to have a brother like you, and she sounds like an amazing girl. Best of luck to your family :)

[diablo988]

Thank you Soeren! You are spot on. Everyone should watch this video. The word "retard" hurts the most innocent people more than we'll ever know.

[bellyup76]

Godbless you Soeren.You have made my day

[6201sarra]

WOW. I am totally blown away. As a parent of a six year old with Down syndrome, I am completely overwhelmed by you, Soeren. You give me incredible hope for the future of our next generation.

[Mekana5]

although i admit i have used the word before, i never will again after listening to this speech. it is people like yourself that will one day change the world. i'm sure i will be hearing about you again in the future.

[mjane1389]

I agree completely!

[tv24680]

grow up fred... hopefully this message gets out to more people, my brother has autism and muscular dystropy so i completely understand what soeren is trying to say completely

[liltrooper01]

my mom and dad work with the mentaly issued. when my mom showed me this video, i wanted to jump in the computer and hug you! i cant begin to explain my thanks! i dont think people undestand what they are saying. that word hurts. i love you sooo much for saying that!!!!!!!! all my friends say "it" and i dont want to sound stupid, so i ignored them. i am NEVERRRR going to ignore someone when they say that ever again! thank you.

[drummerchick435]

Thank you so much, Soren!!! I am Autistic (Asperger's Syndrome) and I have been called "retard" before and whenever I hear it, it stings. Thank you.

[cacwgrl]

my daughter jena is 5 years old and has downsyndrome.i applaud you for your speech and the love and effort you must have put into it to make it great.i have always told my friends and loved ones that jena is perfect and we are the ones who are disabled. thank you so much for putting this awarness out in such a dip;omatic way.olivia is blessed to have you as her brother as you are blessed to have her. my god bless and keep you and your family.

nora form hemet california

[Yossarian06]

Soeren! Thank you thank you thank you. Notre Dame is blessed to have you!

[n8rka]

This young man in this video is speaking to truth. Mentally Challenged are people too!!

[allthingsartist]

Thank you for posting this. This is a message I have been trying to get across for so many years now. My son has kabuki syndrome and I aplaude this boy for the love he has for his sister and the respect he has shown for those who ca not defend themselves.

[CoachTates]

I'm speechless...thanks

[commence8]

WOW what a powerful speech! As the Mom of an Autistic son, this message really hit home.

[jk4cards]

Thank you Soeren for You Tubing your speech. I have the same emotional response that you do to hearing "retard". Disabilities awareness has come along way, but we still have others to reach. Keep up the good work in educating and motivating others to embrace people with disabilities. We can learn a lot from one another.

[skelleyman]

My daughter has Rett Syndrome.

She is my best friend.

I sit here in tears.

That was the most beautiful speech I have ever heard.

Thank you so very much. I will send this to everyone.

What a wonderful brother. What a bright guy.

Thanks for sticking up for my daughter and encouraging me to speak out more too. And love more.

[callmeernie]

I cannot explain how true this video is...especially the part about teachers completely passing the subject by. Even on the last day of class my senior year in high school, a teacher (who won an award from our class) gave an acceptance speech and used the word "retarded." So very few people batted an eye at the word, but almost EVERYONE laughed. I only wish everyone could hear your speech or that more people had the guts to speak up more often. Thank you so much.

[kghw]

Thank you Soeren! What a wonderful speech and great way to get this message out to the public! If you ever need any help getting your message out, you got 2 parents of a mentally handicapped child in your corner! Your sister must be so proud of you! Thank you!

[ShaylaJB]

What a wonderful tribute to your sister as well as to so many other deserving individuals! As a sister in law to Brian, a mentally impaired adult, as well as to a person who is a friend to many children who are mentally impaired, THANK YOU! You did a wonderful job with this speech. THANK YOU!

~Jen

[CelebornRising]

Thank you, I am a mother but my children are not mentally handicapped. I do have a uncle that is, he's

awesome and I love him very much. He has already defeated the death semtence the doctors gave him many years ago. He is now 48 yrs. old and yes he is showing his wear but not the worse, He is a HERO to me because he did not give up when the doctors did!!

His name is Terry and I LOVE HIM VERY MUCH.

So, again I thank you for showing your love for all!!

[Jmbis25]

Godbless you...

[jodigirl66]

I'm a mom of a little girl with Kabuki Sydrome and my biggest fair is to have people make fun of her she is 4 yrs. old I have had people make comments about her right in front of me I thank God she doesn't understand. Maybe if enough people thought like Soeren I won't have anything to worry about when she gets old enough to understand! Your parents are truly blessed to have you for a son!thanks you!Bless you! Hugs Jodi & Dino mama & dada of Jada Diane KS 4yrs.old

[nextdoorpunk16]

thank you so much for that and my brother thanks you to

[mrmiester11]

i totaly agree you couldnt have put it better

[ewilson238]

OMG!! I'm Bawling here, and the pork chops are burned!!

RIGHT ON!!

PERFECTLY SAID!!

Let me help pay for this young man's COLLEGE!! WE NEED HIM IN THE WORLD TODAY!!

e

mom to molly kate

A beautiful, onery, spunky, smart, little girl...who happens to have Trisomy 21!

[djparrish01]

We are ALL created in God's image, not just the ones who look, act, dress, can learn, can walk and can talk just like you and me. EVERYONE is worthy of respect until they do something in their power to cause disrespect. No one with disabilities asked to be disabled, they are human beings with feelings, thoughts and worth.

[JynxGirl11]

Soeren, thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

From my daughter and my sister, thank you. From the generations upon generations of people who have had to put up with this, thank you.

[tcp1417]

As a mother of a disabled child, I applaud you for standing up for the rights of your sister & all people with disabilities. What a wonderful tribute--your speech brought me to tears.

[SusieS2007]

Soeren, I am a teacher and a grandmother of a developmentally disabled little boy who is the light of my life. I would be proud to have been your teacher, mother, or sister. You are a wonderful example for any child and adult.

[hartmanb1111]

Awesome speech! This is just the kind of attitude we need to be sending to the world!

[dalisdolly]

Thank you! I have a mentally handicapped son, and my older son has a hard time knowing what to think, or say, when he hears others at his school use the R word without hesitation. I just sat here, and watched this with him, and I hope that he has learned from what he's heard. I hope that he, too, will stand up against this hatred that has become socially acceptable, despite how cruel it is.

[bhreynolds77]

Oustanding speech. Every word is so true. I lost my child to Mitochondrial Disease. She suffered from many seizures and delays- I'm thankful for people like you. As you said, my daughter never knew how to hate, and she taught all of us unconditional love.

[raechristine]

Thank you, Thank you, Absolutely outstanding, I wish the whole world could hear your speech, I wish everyone could experience unconditional love. Our son has made us step back and see the world through his eyes, it's a pretty amazing place!! Thank you once again.

[vixdamom]

As a mother of a child with Down Syndrome, I just wanted to say thank you. And I am blessed to know unconditional love.

Thank you for your speech and putting it online. I hope that millions watch it and learn something. They have no idea what they are missing.

vixdamom

[Alcoberus]

This is one of the most persuasive speech I have ever heard in favor of the cause of our brothers and sister with developmental disabilities. The power of this speech clearly comes from the deep and unconditional love Soren has for his sister. Congratulations, Soren! Thanks a lot for the love and genius you have shown!

[Momoftwinsplus1]

I am the mom to a severely disabled daughter and this was just so touching to me, you are so wise and I hope when my son grows up he will stick up for his sister like you do.

[OKDebra]

To see a young man standing up for what he believes and for what is right is a blessing beyond measure! My son knows what it feels like to be called Retard and I know what it feels like to console the pain that is felt. Olivia has a great brother and Soeren has a wonderful sister! :-)

[donke111]

awesome speech...it is very refreshing to hear someone say what so very many of us thing everytime we here that word. Your sister is blessed, and ,as someone who works in the field of human services, i applaud you

[tiamary54]

Kudos!! Thanks Soeren, I simply hate the R word!! Truly amazing speech. Hope Olivia and you are having a wonderful day! Take care and Blessings:)

[bummerambidextrous]

You're so awesome..this is the best speech i've ever heard..

[rylandsmom]

I love this speech, as a mom to a severly disable little boy, this video brought tears to my eyes. It's so wonderful that someone finally did something like this.

[tgrigsby7]

Oh my god. Someone hand me a tissue. I'm trying to picture being this young man's father and filming that and not crying like a baby. What an astonishing speech. Fantastic and dead on.

[webjoyABC]

Soren, you are a very eloquent and wise person. You should send a copy of this to every major newspaper editor and television producer in the US. We all need to hear this, if only to remind us of our shortcomings.

[cyn78jay2000]

Amazing... you gave my young son a voice..

[GaryGaryinCA]

This young man is wise beyond his years.

[95sooner]

In seven years of raising my son (who has severe disabilities) I've never heard anyone put it so eloquently. Good luck at Notre Dame, Soeren.

[essigone]

what a beautiful speech! there is hope that the youth of our country does care about something. olivia and soren, you both must make your parents so proud.

[tulipshadow]

fantastic - everyone needs to hear this, learn from it, and change some habits.