Special Books by Special Kids shares Truro family's Down syndrome story
'I'm going to go cry now. Love you all,' says group's founder after sharing heartwarming post
A Nova Scotian family's new video tribute to their son who has Down syndrome has blown past three million views in its first days, months after an earlier video recorded tens of millions of views.
Kelly MacIntosh-Scott said the latest video started with a Facebook message from Special Books by Special Kids seeking kids like her boys for a project. The group shares stories of children with special needs from around the world.
Founder Chris Ulmer flew to Nova Scotia and made the video on Saturday. Six-year-old Turner has Down syndrome and does a fierce monster face; seven-year-old Griffin is his steady defender when people make fun of him.
Special Books by Special Kids shared the video on Facebook July 10 and it currently has more than three million views on their page alone.
"Griffin and Turner were excited. I think they were a little nervous," MacIntosh-Scott said Tuesday. Once they settled in they talked about their special bond.
"I think it's how close they are, and how kind and gentle Griffin is with Turner and how much Turner loves and respects his older brother. It's palpable, and it's always been there," she said. "They just love each other and it resonates with other people."
'If Turner has Down syndrome, I have it too'
She hastened to add they also fight and bicker like ordinary brothers. Griffin is older by 21 months. "When they were little little, Griffin used to say, 'If Turner has Down syndrome, I have it too.' He wanted to be just like his younger brother."
Their mother said there's a lot of stigma attached to Down syndrome. "In years past, people born with Down syndrome and other needs were, for lack of a better word, put in a chair and said they'll never amount to anything, so why bother trying?"
But she said with a little extra focused work (and good school teachers) they've seen results. "He shows no boundaries — he's very smart," she said. "We're not putting limits on him and I think that's key. We'll help him be the best he can be."
A recent repost on Upworthy added to the total, which Scott says is more than 50 million views.
"All of this because of the power of one child who uses his spirit to get others to help spread his story. And the story of every little kid just like him," Scott wrote on Facebook this week. "He can be adorable and a brat all in the same day. Just like any other child. But for whatever reason, he's attracting the attention of the world. I remain blown away. And thankful."
Fighting back tears
Ulmer didn't make the connection until after he'd flown to Nova Scotia to interview Griffin and Turner.
"At the time of the interview I did not know their father was the man who filmed a viral speech a few months back," Ulmer posted.
"In [the first] video he fought back tears after hearing another Dad describe Down syndrome to his son as a curse that prevents learning. Turner and Griff's father stated in the video, 'Down syndrome is the best thing that ever happened to me.'
"Well now the entire world can see your statement is true. I'm going to go cry now. Love you all."
Kelly MacIntosh-Scott says her family is delighted that they can reach millions of people with a positive message. People recognize Turner on the streets of Truro and stop to congratulate him.
"You have to be the change you want to see in the world," she said. "I will always participate and fight for my children and the rights of other children."