When Chris Burke was born with Down syndrome, doctors told his parents to put their son in an institution. His parents, Frank and Marian ignored the advice and raised Chris the same as their other children.
It was this decision by his parents that helped Burke transform America’s image of the mentally and physically challenged. Burke’s role as Corky Thatcher on the ABC television series “Life Goes On” turned into a watershed moment when Down syndrome gained national attention.
Chris Burke, along with friends John and Joe DeMasi, will be coming to Fairfield University on Tuesday, April 15th at 7 p.m. in the Oak Room.
The event is a musical celebration put on by Best Buddies, a campus group that enhances the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing one-to-one friendships. There is no charge for the event and it is open to the entire university.
The upcoming event was made possible with the help of Dewey Burke, ’06, who happens to be Chris’s nephew.
“He is my hero and has always been an inspiration in my life,” said Dewey. “I hope everyone that comes on Tuesday will see just what a special guy he is.”
Burke has always remained a role model for those with Down syndrome. In an interview with Dr. Beth Milligan in 1998, Burke remarked, “having Down syndrome is like being born normal. I am just like you and you are just like me.”
“We are all born in different ways…I have a normal life,” Burke said.
Chris met twin brothers Joe and John DeMasi over 20 years ago when they were his music counselors at a summer camp for people with disabilities. Their friendship has led to the formation of a unique music group that entertains schools and conferences across the country-and now at Fairfield.
Burke’s career has been an inspiration to everyone, not just to those with disabilities. The multi-talented star has not only released several CDs, but also penned an autobiography titled, “A Special Kind of Hero.”
Yet, “Life Goes On,” which ran from 1989-1993, remains Burke’s most well-known endeavor. The show earned Burke a Golden Globe nomination for his role.
Chris Burke has lived out his dreams by believing in himself and focusing on his abilities, rather than his disabilities.
He has demonstrated that people with Down syndrome can provide society with the most valuable actions of all; love, kindness and friendship.
Growing up, Chris was instilled with such a great sense of self-worth, he began calling Down syndrome “Up syndrome.”
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