"How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?"

​

​

 

 

Patriotism is often pictured as waving a flag, serving in the military, or standing proudly during the national anthem. And while those are powerful expressions of love for our country, I believe patriotism can also be found in something quieter, something deeply humane. To me, patriotism is about building a nation where every person is valued, where every voice matters, and where every child, regardless of how they were born, has a place to belong.

​

My journey as an advocate for individuals with congenital abnormalities began with my own story. I was born with a facial difference, a cleft lip and palate, that shaped not only how I see the world, but how I serve it. Growing up, I became deeply aware of how society often overlooks or misunderstands people with visible differences. I saw how classmates hesitated to ask questions, how adults sometimes looked away, and how silence could feel heavier than words. But instead of letting that silence define me, I decided to challenge it.

​

Advocacy, for me, is an act of service. It's about standing up for those who may not yet have the confidence or platform to speak for themselves. I work to educate others about congenital abnormalities, to show that difference is not something to hide, but something to understand, respect, and even celebrate. Through my efforts, I've learned that service isn't always about grand gestures. Sometimes, it's about showing up, listening, and creating spaces where others can be seen for who they truly are.

​

In many ways, that's the essence of patriotism. A nation is strongest when it uplifts its most vulnerable citizens. Supporting people with congenital abnormalities, through awareness, inclusion, and empathy, isn't just about individual compassion. It's about strengthening the fabric of our great nation. When we choose to embrace all kinds of people, we make our communities more resilient, more creative, and more humane. That's the kind of America I want to help build.

​

I've had the privilege of turning this passion into action. Whether it's speaking to younger children about self-acceptance, creating awareness campaigns, or founding my business where I sew surgery companion dolls for kids undergoing medical procedures, I aim to make sure no child feels alone in their journey. I want them to see that their story is part of something larger, that they are living proof of the courage, innovation, and determination that define our country.

​

Every time I share my experience, I see how empathy grows. I've seen parents gain understanding, students gain perspective, and children gain confidence. Those moments remind me that patriotism isn't confined to the battlefield; it also lives in classrooms, hospitals, and community centers. It lives in the hearts of those who choose kindness over judgment and inclusion over indifference.

​

Supporting individuals with congenital abnormalities is a way to honor the promise of America, the idea that everyone deserves the same opportunities, the same respect, and the same chance to contribute. When we make space for all abilities, appearances, and backgrounds, we embody the democratic ideals that our nation was built upon.

​

Patriotism, then, is not just a feeling, it's a responsibility. It's a daily commitment to ensuring that the freedoms and values we cherish reach everyone. For me, that means using my voice, my time, and my creativity to help others with congenital differences find their own strength. Because when they succeed, when they feel seen and supported, our country grows stronger too.

​

In the end, I believe advocacy is one of the purest forms of patriotism. It's about taking personal experience and transforming it into purpose. It's about ensuring that the next generation inherits not only a country that is free, but one that is kind, inclusive, and whole.

​

So when I advocate, when I speak, design, or simply listen, I do it out of love for others, but also out of love for my country. Because a truly patriotic nation is one that lifts every citizen to stand proudly beneath its flag, exactly as they are