How This Author Inspires Children With Similar Disabilities
By Movieguide® Contributor
JT Mestdagh is an author and motivational speaker who was born with a rare life-threatening disability called VATER syndrome (VACTERL association).
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “VATER syndrome is a complex condition that affects several parts of the body. VATER (VACTERL) is an acronym that stands for the affected parts of the body including the vertebrae, anus, heart, trachea, esophagus, kidney and limbs.”
Mestdagh’s newest book, “No Bad Days” is about “the incredible story of how he overcame what seemed like insurmountable odds and shares the many invaluable lessons he has learned throughout his life in the hope that others might reach their full potential.”
Mestdagh told Fox News Digital that storytelling is a way he’s been “able to cope with my challenges.”
“Being able to share with other peers of mine what I’m going through allows them to really open up and understand me. Also, for them to express what’s going on in their lives,” he said.
During his senior year of college, Mestdagh founded the JT Mestdagh Foundation which inspires “families with medical and educational challenges by providing access to programs and supplies.”
The biggest aspect of Mestdagh’s foundation is that it is built on Jesus.
“I grew up in a family of great faith in the Lord,” the entrepreneur said. “My journey with faith has been very important to me. First and foremost comes my relationship with the Lord. He allows me to see that when one door closes, another opens.”
“The foundation, we look at it with two main pillars, but with faith in all,” he added.
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Through his foundation, Mestdagh raised over $500k for children’s charities.
One of the beneficiaries for the foundation is the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
“Our Ronald McDonald House programs, located near top children’s hospitals, allow parents who are far from home to stay close to their hospitalized child and benefit from the comforts of home without incurring hotel and food costs,” the website reads. “Ronald McDonald Family Room programs offer a quiet respite for all families right in the hospital. And Ronald McDonald Care Mobile programs bring fundamental medical and dental care to underserved communities.”
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