15 Mighty Stories We're Thankful for This Year
Here at The Mighty, we’re thankful for a lot of things, but the sense of community we share with all of you is something that makes us especially grateful. Whether it’s helping, educating or simply connecting with others, our goal is to create a place where everyone can share their stories about disability, disease, medical conditions and mental health. Before we press pause for the holiday, we wanted to thank you all for visiting our site, and wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.
Here are just a few of your stories we’re thankful for this year:
1. To My Daughter With Down Syndrome on Her Wedding Day
This letter makes us cry every time we read it. And yes, we’ve read it more than a few times.
2. The Brilliant Way This Special Ed Teacher Starts Class Every Day
This video went viral after we posted it, and it’s easy to see why. The power of positivity (and high-fives) are the perfect way to start the day, and Chris Ulmer definitely has our vote for teacher of the year.
3. The First Time My Son With Autism Got a Birthday Invite I Didn’t Have to Decline
“This mom will be RSVPing a hell yes for the first time ever.”
4. Comedian With Cerebral Palsy Models in Fashion Week’s Most Inclusive Show
We’ve written about comedian Maysoon Zayid a few times — (her TED Talk is a must-watch). So when she starred in Carrie Hammer’s “Role Models Not Runway Models” this year, we were pumped. And since we’re on the topic, you should also check out Zayid explaining why Hollywood needs to start casting actors with disabilities.
5. When We Asked Ronda Rousey If She Had Apraxia of Speech
She may have lost her latest UFC fight, but here’s a reason why Rhonda Rousey will always be a winner in our book.
6. How This Boy Born With a Partial Skull Proved Doctors Wrong
His name is Jaxon Buell, but the Internet knows him as Jaxon Strong, and he’s truly lived up to that name. Born without part of his skull, this baby wasn’t expected to survive more than a few weeks, much less an entire year.
7. A Letter to Those Affected by My Anxiety
A letter about empathy that everyone needs to read.
8. This Barber Went the Extra Mile to Give a Boy With Autism a Haircut
Hairdresser James Williams had been trying to cut Mason’s hair for months, but he refused to give up until the little boy got a trim. We weren’t the only ones who were thrilled with the results…
9. Man With Crohn’s Posts Personal Photo After Being Accused of Faking Condition
With so many selfies floating around on the Internet, this man made sure his had a lasting impression on everyone. Many individuals, especially those with chronic or invisible illnesses, face challenges when it comes to the public’s perception of their health. This man’s photo showed millions of people that one doesn’t always have to “look” sick to be sick.
10. A Love Letter to My Neurotypical Husband, From Your Autistic Wife
Her words are just as beautiful as this photo.
11. What the Starbucks Barista Didn’t Know When She Wrote ‘Smile’ on My Coffee
Sometimes one word is all it takes to make a difference in someone’s day.
12. Teen With Down Syndrome Brushes Off Bullying and Breaks Into Modeling
Madeline Stuart was the first female with Down syndrome to dominate the fashion world, but a number of others have followed in her footsteps. Gigi Cunningham, 17, not only works it at fashion shows, but she’s working to raise awareness for bullying.
13. This Mom Took a Selfie With Her Prescription for a Powerful Reason
Have you heard of #MedicatedandMighty? After posting a selfie with her prescriptions and teaming up with us, we essentially launched an entire movement encouraging others not be shy about getting help.
14. How Psychology Majors Are Responding to Jeb Bush’s Diss
Is it just us, or do these psychology majors have far more to offer society than most of our politicians?
15. This Dad Found a Wonderful Use for Restaurants’ Leftover Crayons
Pure genius.
These are only a handful of stories we’re thankful for. What would you add? Let us know in the comments below.