Stella Young has passed far too young. The loss, for me hits the core. Stella taught me to loosen up, not take everything so seriously and. most importantly, that my child is not extraordinary. She’s not inspiring or heroic just because she gets out of bed. Adelaide is changing the world because she is living each day as her peers do, and this brings a normalcy to achondroplasia. Stella Young will be missed because she was extraordinary.
Stella was an Australian comedian, journalist, and disability rights advocate. Earlier this year the TED talk she gave went viral- and that’s when I started to follow her. Her former colleague, Mark Scott, summed up Young’s immense influence, stating that “Stella helped us understand disability issues by sharing with a raw honesty about her own life and forcing us to reconsider how we think about disability and create an environment where those with disability can best get on with their own lives.” This truly resonates with many regardless of disability, in part because we all just want to get it done-whatever “it” is. Stella’s talk reminded me that I was parenting well- even when other adults have tried to override what I do by letting Addie get away with things because she is small or cute.
Photo from Destroy the Joint on Facebook- an Australian group working to destroy violence against women.
Addie is every other child.
As many are not familiar with her, Stella Young had osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), which is a genetic disorder. OI is characterized by bones that break easily, often from little or no apparent cause. OI can vary greatly from person to person, and in a lifetime a person can suffer anywhere from a few to a few hundred fractures. However, despite the fractures, restricted physical activity, and short stature, most adults and children with OI lead productive and successful lives- attending school, developing friendships and other relationships, having careers and families, participating in sports and are active members of their communities.
I hope by sharing her work and story, more people will make changes, advocate and just live! Please watch, or more importantly listen, to her talk below.
While her passing is very sad and far too soon, her inspirational words will carry on for many years to come. May she rest in peace.
What a very inspirational woman. She was also very wise!
Dee Mauser recently posted…JazzBerryMom Kids Apparel #giftidea
It sounds like she touched and raised awareness to lots of people. How sad to hear of her passing :-(!
Kelsey Apley recently posted…Veet Infini’ Silk – Permanent Hair Reduction
She was always so inspirational. Rest In Peace.
Ninja Mommers recently posted…BOSCH TASSIMO T65 from @TassimoCanada- #TassimoNiceList #HolidayGiftGuide
I loved Stella Young’s sassy but sincere nature and it is sad to see her gone, and much too early.
Kelly Hutchinson recently posted…Five Food Hacks To Defrazzle Your Holiday #FarmRichHacks
Oh I had no clue that she passed. Thank you so much for sharing. I am sure her memory will live on.
Definitely something we should all remember! Thanks so much for sharing!
Melanie K. recently posted…NeatConnect Cloud Scanner Giveaway
She sounds like an inspiration. It sounds like her stories will live on in people for a long time.
Heather recently posted…Yummy Treats and Peter Pan Live on Wordless Wednesday
What an inspirational story indeed! May she rest in peace.
Maria recently posted…Get the Canon t5i at Best Buy!
I am so sorry for the loss of one amazing person in your life. She is truly an inspiration!
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos recently posted…California-Style Devilled Eggs
What a great read. She certainly did a lot to help others while she was here. That’s something we should all do.
Dawn recently posted…DIY Monster High Clothes Hangers to Celebrate Howliday Exclusives at Toys “R” Us
What an inspirational women, may she rest in peace.
I am so sorry to hear about this. It is always sad when someone we admire passes away.
So inspirational! It’s so sad to know that she passed away. She’ll be missed.
Anne-Marie @ This Mama Cooks! On a Diet recently posted…Spiced Citrus & Honey Hot Toddy
Such an inspirational woman! So sad to hear of her passing.
Meagan recently posted…Tips for Decorating Your Christmas Tree #BestDressedHome
Such a loss. She was and will continue to inspire through her story. The world could certainly use more people/advocates like her. May she rest in peace. Thanks for sharing her story. That is how she continues to live. Thank you, Chelley.
What an inspirational woman. I am so sad to hear of her passing.
It’s so sad that she passed so early. I would love to hear one of her comedy sets.
Liz Mays recently posted…18 Happy Holiday Recipes
So sad, she seemed like a very inspirational lady! Her words will live on.
Jenn recently posted…Capture Holiday Memories with the Canon EOS Rebel T5i @BestBuy #CanonatBestBuy #HintingSeason
Sorry to hear this. =( On another note, your site redo looks AMAZING!
What an inspirational woman. Her legacy and lessons will continue to inspire people everywhere.
Aimee Smith recently posted…Tips for Decorating Your Christmas Tree #BestDressedHome
This is so sad, Stella sounds like such a fun person; truly too soon.
mykidsguide recently posted…Sparkling New Years Eve Party Supplies for Kids & Adults
Aww, I am sorry for your loss! She was such a beautiful lady inside and out!
no matter what the size, we can do whatever we want if we set ourselves up for it. she’s a strong woman and shows hope to others.
Although she is not someone I am familiar with, I found her words to be truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing this with us!