by Mary Coyle Sullivan

A ray of sunshine is one of the many phrases that best describe the delightful and inspirational Bridget Mary Brown.  For 24 years this amazing young woman has overcome adversity and made every day an incredible story in the book of her life.

Born March 22, 1986 in Elmhurst to Blaze Patrick and Nancy Elizabeth Brown, it was evident immediately that she was no ordinary newborn.  Bridget was diagnosed with Down Syndrome and from day one the family unified to support and include her with dignity and hope in our world.

As with many individuals with special needs, life has its many challenges.  For Bridget, one of the early challenges was heart surgery when she was only 9 months old and 9 pounds.  This surgery was an early indication of the vitality and fighting spirit Bridget bestowed.  She has been surrounded by love from her parents, siblings and extended family since day one. Older sister Blair and younger brother Patrick have completed the circle of support that mom and dad have built in their lovely home adjacent to Darien Community Park. Mom Nancy was determined to have Bridget be a part of the same school system that her siblings were and she worked in cooperation with District 61 to actively facilitate the inclusion of Bridget in the educational system. Nancy Brown praises the teachers and staff at Mark DeLay, Lace and Eisenhower calling them, “best supporting actors and actresses,” in her daughters’ growth and learning.  The trend continued when Bridget attended Hinsdale South High School where she graduated in 2005. Sadly as supportive as our local schools have been the State of Illinois continues to fall short in this process placing last, 50th, nationwide in educational funding and inclusion programming.

Nancy’s passions has not stopped in Darien, she is a part of the Illinois State Board of Education Project Choices and has become an Inclusion Expert traveling the country sharing her gift of knowledge with parents and educators. Mom and daughter make a dynamic duo in spreading hope for people with disabilities by encouraging them to “Dwell in the Possibilities.” That is the title of one of the many keynote speeches and workshops they present throughout the country. Bridget learned early on that her best tool would be her own voice and was an active member of the speech team at Hinsdale South. They have collaborated to create Butterflies for Change (butterfly4change.org), a consulting service for people with disabilities.  In her early years she became involved in SEASPAR and Special Olympics and continues her quest today as an award winning gymnast and Global Messenger for Illinois, the birthplace of Special Olympics.

Bridget reached stardom when she recently performed along Miley Cyrus in a movie that was filmed last summer.  It is due to be released in the spring of 2011. She has been acting since the age of three and is very involved in the Performing Arts Center at Lyons Township High School, Special Needs Theater Group.  Her current days are also filled working in her father’s dental office as an assistant’s assistant and a Pediatric Dental Educator at UIC Dental School.

The list of accomplishments and accolades goes on and on when it comes to all that Bridget Mary Brown has accomplished. The future is a brighter place because of her infectious smile and radiant personality.  It is truly a delight to spend a few minutes with this amazing young woman.