“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at it’s final destination, full of hope.” – Maya Angelou

HD doesn’t have many positives, but I have been lucky enough to travel to many places while working with HDYO and I know many young people and individuals who have been afforded the same opportunity. I have met so many amazing people and seen some of the most beautiful places I’ve ever come to know thanks to these opportunities. I’ve also learned so much – I’ve come to know that HD has no borders. The HD community is the strongest, most compassionate and most dedicated group of individuals I have come to know. There is also a universal language to the HD community – one of love, understanding and hope.

HDYO has taken me around the world I have noticed that no matter where I go that those I meet in the HD community are amazingly strong, brave and inspiring. It doesn’t matter if there are one or ten languages being spoken in a room – most of the communication occurs with a look, the tone and passion in one’s speech and the massive amount of love shown to each individual. When you are in a room with HD community, the message is clear, we are all one global family. I hear many stories from young and old alike, but there are similar themes no matter where I am or what language the stories are being told in. What I hear, and try to help those I’m speaking with understand, is that they are not alone. HD can be quite isolating in one’s own community, but there is an amazing global community that is fighting with each other, for each other. There is nothing more powerful than that.

I’m incredibly lucky to work for an organization that helps build bridges across the globe to ensure that everyone feels connected. The young people I meet with all encourage me to continue to fight for them and alongside of them. They speak of hope, they share stories of courage and most importantly – they are brave enough to bare all of this to ensure that the world is aware of HD and the struggles each family goes through. We speak of this this often in our blog, but after our recent camp in Australia, I was reminded of just how strong and connected the HD community is.

The world may put borders, language barrier and other things in the way, but the community will always continue to find ways to connect, grow and advocate because their voice is beyond powerful. Your voice, your story is beyond powerful and never let anyone or anything try to quite you.

Chandler