Deaf, blind, mute, quadriplegic inspires others by writing

Miss-Delectable · 07-05-2008, 09:43 AM

kare11.com | Twin Cities, MN | Deaf, blind, mute, quadriplegic inspires others by writing

It is easy to look at Christopher Harmon and see only his limitations, not the promising boy he was, but the dependent adult he's become.

"I have a rare neurological condition called Spino-Cerebellar Degeneration," he says through his interpreter. First diagnosed when he was eight-years-old , Christopher's condition has steadily worsened.

"I'm deaf, legally blind," he says. He can't speak either, nor can he walk or use his hands. A machine does his breathing through a tube in his neck.

Feeling more machine than man, nine years ago Christopher asked his doctor to remove his life support. "I became very depressed," he says. "At some point in our lives we all start to wonder, why am I here? What is my purpose and value?" Christopher found his purpose with the help of interpreters, friends -- and a voice inside him - when he started writing.

By mouthing the words to his interpreters, Christopher has completed four children's books, one of which he self published last year. He's also completed a screen play. "Sparkle Serena!" is the story of a nine-year-old girl who overcomes great odds to accomplish her dreams. Christopher calls it "a parallel of my own life story." Christopher's dream is now to see his story not just on paper -- but up on a screen. "This is going to happen," he says.

It's easy to look at Christopher Harmon and say, "no way." But he already has a New York director and on August 6th, Emo Philips will headline a fundraiser at Acme Comedy Club in Minneapolis to help pay for Christopher's production. "Challenge and I have been best friends since I was six," he says. "I am used to having to work on an uphill for my dreams." Deaf, blind, mute, quadriplegic - and look what he's already done. It's hard to look at Christopher Harmon and envision the word "can't."

shel90 · 07-05-2008, 10:02 AM

That's great for him.

A few people could learn a lesson from him on what is "normal" and what is not "normal". As long as we give support, resources, and rights, everyone can live "normal" and productive lives even if it is done differently from each other.

dreama · 07-06-2008, 03:45 PM

I agree with Shel. Does anyone know if any of his books are in braille?

07-05-2008, 09:43 AM	#1 (permalink)
Miss-Delectable Capt Tony Nelson, Jeannie Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: No.1 Shopping Capital in Australia Posts: 8,693 Blog Entries: 3	Deaf, blind, mute, quadriplegic inspires others by writing kare11.com \| Twin Cities, MN \| Deaf, blind, mute, quadriplegic inspires others by writing It is easy to look at Christopher Harmon and see only his limitations, not the promising boy he was, but the dependent adult he's become. "I have a rare neurological condition called Spino-Cerebellar Degeneration," he says through his interpreter. First diagnosed when he was eight-years-old , Christopher's condition has steadily worsened. "I'm deaf, legally blind," he says. He can't speak either, nor can he walk or use his hands. A machine does his breathing through a tube in his neck. Feeling more machine than man, nine years ago Christopher asked his doctor to remove his life support. "I became very depressed," he says. "At some point in our lives we all start to wonder, why am I here? What is my purpose and value?" Christopher found his purpose with the help of interpreters, friends -- and a voice inside him - when he started writing. By mouthing the words to his interpreters, Christopher has completed four children's books, one of which he self published last year. He's also completed a screen play. "Sparkle Serena!" is the story of a nine-year-old girl who overcomes great odds to accomplish her dreams. Christopher calls it "a parallel of my own life story." Christopher's dream is now to see his story not just on paper -- but up on a screen. "This is going to happen," he says. It's easy to look at Christopher Harmon and say, "no way." But he already has a New York director and on August 6th, Emo Philips will headline a fundraiser at Acme Comedy Club in Minneapolis to help pay for Christopher's production. "Challenge and I have been best friends since I was six," he says. "I am used to having to work on an uphill for my dreams." Deaf, blind, mute, quadriplegic - and look what he's already done. It's hard to look at Christopher Harmon and envision the word "can't." __________________

07-05-2008, 10:02 AM	#2 (permalink)
shel90 Sun Whorshipper Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: A Desert Rat that has found herself in Maryland Posts: 14,964 Blog Entries: 1	That's great for him. A few people could learn a lesson from him on what is "normal" and what is not "normal". As long as we give support, resources, and rights, everyone can live "normal" and productive lives even if it is done differently from each other. __________________ ~Shel~

07-06-2008, 03:45 PM	#3 (permalink)
dreama deafblind vegan Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: England Posts: 720	I agree with Shel. Does anyone know if any of his books are in braille? __________________ Animal testing destroys lives. http://vivisection-absurd.org.uk/menu.html

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