Many people could learn a lot from the story of this young person. He had a major setback before he entered school that permanently affected him. But what he’s done since is truly inspiring.
Johnny Quinn, from Tennessee, was like any other four-year-old child, adventurous, fun-loving and carefree.
But one day, something terrible happened. He was playing with the family’s dog in the backyard shed. The dog knocked over a candle.
The entire shed went up in flames. Soon, the shed became a terrible inferno, with no way for Johnny to get out.
His older sister, Leah, heard Johnny screaming. She ran through the backyard and bravely pulled the child out of the shed, saving his life.
But it came at a price. Johnny was rushed to the emergency room. The doctors did the best they could, but his injuries were extensive.
It was clear that he would be disfigured for life.
This was a completely life-changing event. Basically, his entire body had been charred. Medical science could help to a certain extent, but the changes would be permanent.
Over the years, Johnny had to endure many painful reconstructive surgeries.
Unsurprisingly, this traumatic event and its aftermath took their toll on Johnny.
He grew to hate his appearance. He would eat less and less, getting incredibly thin.
The actions of the public only made things worse. People couldn’t stop making Johnny feel different.
“So many people stare at me, every single day, every time I’m in public. That used to really get to me.” – Johnny Quinn.
Imagine the effect that all this had on Johnny growing up.
As a young child he started wishing that he had died in the fire, until, eventually, it was all that he could think of.
When he became a teenager, it only got worse. Other children were starting to date and become attracted to one another. But for Johnny, there was no one.
This caused him to eat even less than before, growing thinner and thinner.
“I kept all this turmoil inside of me for so long, it turned into anorexia. Where I didn’t even want to take care of my body anymore, where I just stopped eating.” – Johnny Quinn
But for Johnny, it did get better.
Despite his self-esteem and eating issues, he excelled in school. This meant that he had no difficulty in getting into college.
When Johnny started his degree, he discovered something. For the first time, he was surrounded by like-minded people, with similar interests.
These classmates were able to look beyond his appearance and see Johnny for who he really was.
This new environment allowed Johnny to thrive, not just academically, but also personally.
“I realized that confidence is a habit. It’s not a personality trait. It’s something you have to work at.” – Johnny Quinn.
This is, of course, oversimplifying it. Like anyone struggling with their mental health, recovery is a long, difficult process. Johnny has good days and bad days, but things are on the whole getting better.
In fact, he’s also helping others to come to terms with their appearance.
He’s joined the Courageous Faces Foundation, which raises awareness for people who are different physically and mentally. They promote fair treatment and equal opportunities for all, no matter who they are.
“Courageous Faces Foundation makes my dreams and passions seem like they are a reality.”
It all started when the foundation discovered some of Johnny’s social media posts. Soon, they invited him to participate in one of their photoshoots. Now he regularly works with them on awareness campaigns
Johnny Quinn’s story is incredibly inspiring. In the future, he’s sure to achieve great things!
See more about Johnny’s story below.
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