A Lifelong Journey with IDA Special Guest, Matt Barrett

Matt Barrett has lived a life of amazing perseverance and courage. Since the age of 2, Matt has battled 11 types of cancer and has had over 1,700 surgeries. He has also been homeless on and off for 15 years, with the past 3 living in a tent in Seattle, until recently he was finally given the opportunity to live in an affordable apartment.

Not only has he lived with horrendous pain and fatigue, he has also endured incredible discrimination. Because of the extensive surgeries and scaring on his face, Matt often gets stares, dirty looks and even called horrible names. Despite all of this, Matt's friends will tell you he is one of the kindest people you will ever know.

In this video, Matt was invited as a Special Guest to share a a bit of his journey, which brought the audience to their feet! Matt's story is inspirational and will change your life and your mind about judging others, before taking the time to get to know them.

Visit Matt's Blog at: http://www.AViewFromtheStreet.com

In this video, DJ Rick Crandall of KEZW Radio: http://www.Studio1430.com

In this video, Hall of Fame Speaker and Humorist, Karyn Buxman, RN, MSN: http://www.KarynBuxman.com

The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) encourages, educates and connects people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe.

Invisible Disabilities Association: http://www.InvisibleDisabilities.org

My Invisible Disabilities Community: http://www.InvisibleDisabilitiesCommunity.org

Invisible No More TV: http://www.InvisibleNoMore.tv

IDA on YouTube: http://www.YouTube.com/invisibledisability

IDA on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/InvisibleDisabilities

Invisible Disabilities Shirts and More: http://www.IDAstuff.com

IDA on Twitter: http://twitter.com/InvDisabilities

Views expressed within this video are not necessarily the views of IDA nor any of our affiliates.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• 2011 IDA Honors Banquet
• Matt Barrett
• special guest
• invisible disability
• rick crandall
• karyn buxman
• illness
• fatigue
• pain
• disabled
• support
• compassion
• understanding
• cancer
• surgery
• disfigured
• scars
• discrimination
• homeless
• inspiration
• courage
• story

[InvisibleDisability]

We were honored to have Matt speak at our 2011 Awards Banquet! His life and story are amazing and he, as a person, is incredible! With all this man has been through, his friends tell of numerous heroic feats and selfless acts. He is an inspiration to all.

[ButILookGood]

@HappyYuriPodcast Great point! But make sure these are people who don't live with disabling conditions. Matt's life is an incredible testimony of courage and perseverance in the midst of extreme illness and homelessness. He makes people with normal, everyday "problems" or even mild health struggles think twice about their whining and priorities. However, we need to be careful not to minimize the seriousness of what others who are disabled may be going through, too. HUGS! :)

[HappyYuriPodcast]

Matt, you are truely awesome and amazing man. the next time i hear someone complain about how they are hurting or what they are going through i wil show them this video

[samanthaj0hnson]

Amazing man!!

[DysautonomiaMD]

Matt, so wonderful to meet you in person!! And such a nice welcome from Karen, too!! Amazing!!!

[tslu1970]

I so wish I could have been there to meet this amazing man in person. What a warrior! What a fighter and survivor! Truly an inspiration to me!

[ButILookGood]

This person's life is a true testimony of perseverance and courage amidst unbelievable challenges. Incredible story, amazing man!

[twingrl56]

Matt,,,,,,,,, YOU ARE MY HERO!!! XOXOXOXOX Love, Suz