Chris Burke

(1967- )

Have you ever seen the show "Life Goes On"? Well, the star of the show was an actor named Chris Burke. Chris was born with Down syndrome in 1967, which meant he was born with an extra chromosome 21. The difference with people with Downs syndrome appear smaller and develop slower physically and mentally. Also, there is usually a wide variation in their mental capabilities. Many of the differences between people who have Downs syndrome and those who don't, lies in the physical appearances. 

When Chris Burke was born, doctors advised his parents, Frank and Marian Burke, to place him in an institution. They ignored their advice and treated Chris the same as their other children. Given the chance to live normally led to an amazingly successful and talented life. Chris got to be in the company of two presidents. He made a public service announcement with George Bush and walked with President Bill Clinton in his inaugural speech. He received many awards including a Youth in Film award and a Christopher award. He also had a public school, in New York City, named after him! On top of it all, he still continues to act vigorously. He had a feature role in "Touched by an Angel" as Taylor. He also had roles in "Jonathan, The Boy Nobody Wanted", "The Commish" and the mini-series "Heaven and Hell". 

Many stereotypes are associated with show business and one of the most common is that actors and actresses must have flawless appearances. Chris Burke went into "the biz" and destroyed that label by having a very successful and meaningful career. 

Eldrick "Tiger" Woods

(1975- )

"Tiger" Woods, nicknamed after a friend of his father who was a Vietnamese solider, was born 1975 as Eldrick T. Woods. No sooner could he walk then when he started putting. when he was two, he putted against Bob Hope on the "Mike Douglas Show". At age three he shot 48 for nine holes and was featured in Golf Digest at age five! He became the 8th athlete to be named a Wheaties rep after such people as Michael Jordan and Mary Lou Retton. He also participates in many charities, including one chaired by his father, the Tiger Woods Foundation which provides minorities participation in golf. In 1997, he won the Sports Star of the Year award at age 22. This award recognizes athletes who combine sports excellence with significant charitable activities.