"I guess doctors don’t know everything," Burke, 35, said Tuesday to a full house in Winona State University’s Somsen Auditorium.
Best known for his role as Corky Thatcher from 1989 to 1993 on the television show "Life Goes On," Burke not only reads, writes and talks, but also acts, sings and dances – with his chin up and his head high.
"Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal," he said.
Burke’s parents ignored the advice of doctors and enrolled their son in private schools since public schools
didn’t offer programs for children with Down syndrome.Burke said although it took him longer to learn reading, writing, math, history and science, he stuck with his studies.
People who have Down syndrome are born with an extra 21st chromosome, which causes them to sometimes be shorter than average, have a flatter facial profile and have slower physical and mental developments.
"It’s not about our disabilities," he said. "It’s our abilities that count."
Burke earned a Golden Globe nomination for his
performance on "Life Goes On" and has since appeared in many movies and TV shows, including "Touched by an Angel" and "Promise Land." He also serves as editor-in-chief of "News and Views," a magazine of the National Down Syndrome Association, and has co-authored an autobiography, "A Special Kind of Hero," published by Putnam Doubleday.In addition to writing and acting, Burke uses music to raise awareness of disabilities among mass audiences. In 1992, he recorded an album with John and Joe DeMasi, music counselors he met more than 21 years ago at a camp.
Since then, the trio has been playing and traveling together across the country, using music to stress the importance of living out one’s dreams and remaining positive and
confident about one’s future.The DeMasi brothers, who consider Burke a triplet, joined him during his trips to Cotter High School and Winona State and supported his message while singing and playing guitar during the evening program.
"(Burke) tends to bring out the goodness in people,"
Joe DeMasi said. "We can all relate to being the underdog."Burke’s remedy?
"Believe in yourself, work hard and never give up,"
he said.Burke’s appearance at WSU was sponsored by the University Programs and Activities Committee and Disability Awareness Club.
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Lisa M. Sanders/Winonan |
| Chris Burke, who is best known for
his role as Corky Thatcher on the television series "Life Goes
On," spoke about living with Down syndrome Oct. 24 in Winona
State University’s Somsen Auditorium.
ABOVE: Burke makes the sign language symbol meaning "I love you" during one of the songs he and his friends, John and Joe DeMasi, performed. |
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Lisa M. Sanders/Winonan |
| Along with the DeMasi brothers and various members of the audience, Burke performed a half dozen songs, including a parody of Elvis. |