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Brinkley became involved in the Dream Factory, a nonprofit organization in Oregon that helps sick children live their dreams. The organization helped coordinate her week-long stay at Juilliard, where Brinkley sat in on classes and performed for students. She also taught her routine to students there, said Tricia Batchler, the student volunteer at the Dream Factory who worked with Brinkley. Quote: "Kiera will be the first one to tell you that when most people see her, they see her amputations," Batchler told Lemondrop. "But truth be told, when you meet Kiera, the first thing you see is her amazing and infectious smile. Within minutes you begin to feel the strength of her spirit and the grace of her heart. She's not her amputations. She's Kiera -- lovely and happy, strong and vivacious Kiera."
Click "next" to see a video of Brinkley dancing
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Sunday 23 August
By Queen Roberts
Keira,
You get the "GO ON GIRL!" for a wonderful talent, a beautiful spirit, and for being HAPPY!
YOU ARE TRULY BLESSED!!!
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Sunday 23 August
By Cici
Keira,
You are an incredible inspiration. Not only with your gift of dance, but most importantly by your remarkable determination to live life to it fullest. You are a treasure. I look forward to hearing/seeing more of your accomplishments in the future. God bless you.
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Sunday 23 August
By Eva
I saw the video and this is what bothers me about this. This woman gets to go to a prestigious performing art school all because of her disability? She's really not skilled whatsoever. OK fine, she can move around in her own way, but really it's not right to others who work hard to get in on their own merit.
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Sunday 23 August
By Kathryn
What a nasty thing to say. For one thing, she isn't "going" to the school as in, attending full-time, she was given the opportunity to visit and perform. And I think she was amazing. She has a drive and determination and beautiful spirit that you obviously don't!
You should be ashamed of your judgmental attitude.
Sunday 23 August
By Kathy
Eva, read the article again so hoefully you will understand why this young lady had this opportunity and that it was not the matter of her taking away anything from anyone else. Maybe this is the first time that you have heard of the "Make a Wish" type programs who give children opportunities that they would not have due to illnesses, disabilities, or anticipated early deaths. "What bothers me" is that you so quickly begrudged her the opportunity to participate and want to judge her on the same level as others with arms and legs that she clearly does not have. Be careful, the rules that you use the judge others may be used to judge you.
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Sunday 23 August
By Todd S in Lake Worth, FL
I got the chills watching this. A true inspiration! I hope our country can reframe their focus on disabilities and look at the abilities people have. Thanks for sharing, Keira!
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Sunday 23 August
By Beth from Texas
YOU GO GIRLFRIEND!!! AWESOME!!! FOLLOW YOUR DREAM AND LET NO ONE STOP YOU!!!
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Sunday 23 August
By Naomi
"When Kiera dances, she can see her arms and legs," says a dance teacher."
I almost came 2 tears when i read that part...
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Sunday 23 August
By Megan
Making the impossible POSSIBLE... what an inspiration simply amazing.... god bless her heart.
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Sunday 23 August
By Betty
Kiera you have inspired our family with your talent and courage. Our daughter Gayle a 38 yr.old mother of three, became a quad amputee Dec.2nd 2008. We have sent your video to her home and will view it with her. Our family knows what your all about. God Bless you and keep on dancing!
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Monday 24 August
By ElectricTreeMan
Kiera you are truly amazing, I am planning an inspirational presentation for Victims of PTSD and survivors of Traumatic injury. Need another presentor, are you interested? I/we are in Roseburg Oregon, hit me back if so, Thanks Kiera and keep up the great work, My heart is touched and I am inspired by your grace you beautiful talented girl you.! Truly Mike Ward!
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Monday 24 August
By ADP
I think it was a great opportunity for the young woman, but it was also an opportunity for the other, full-time students at the school. Not everyone who goes to Julliard will go on to become a top-level performer. Many will become high school or college level teachers or private instructors. This helps to show them not to judge, that if they get a student who has a deformed arm or leg or even some other disability, it IS possible to encourage them to still perform to the utmost of their ability and not limit themselves by thinking of what they can't do. While I'm sure it was a great thrill for her, I think it's possible the visit's real value will never be fully measured in it's effect on the other students.
Have a care what you think of disabled people. In the blink of an eye, you could be one too.
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Monday 24 August
By rann948
You know, I'm sorry but when people see her, they DO see a quadruple amputee first. It's just not PC to say so. I find it sad that people can be so supportive of this girl, but let an overweight person walk by and it's open season for nastiness.
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Monday 24 August
By Trinette
That was beautiful. I watched her video and interview. I feel ashamed for feeling sorry for myself when I injured my leg. It healed, but I was so frustrated with a bad attitude. She has a beautiful spirit. People like that are an inspiration.
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Monday 24 August
By Trinette
Kathy, you are so right. Often, we take for granted our abilities It is a blessing that can be lost. Mean people should realize this. I find it interesting that when these mean people suffer their own hardship....they can't take it. They get completely devastated and become the biggest damn crybabies. This young lady is beautiful, talented and her spirit is a inspiration.
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Wednesday 26 August
By melanie
WHAT A SMILE. My first thought was what a beautiful young lady,and she can dance. Thanks KEIRA for touching my heart today. I'm sure your family is so proud of you.
And, you already have haters, you know what that mean....WINNER!!!
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Friday 28 August
By luvnc2
An inspiration and a true role model. My girls will have to see this. Thank you.
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Wednesday 02 September
By Rogelio Torres
Absolutely, Positively, Beautiful! You can feel the power of her Spirit
just by looking at her. What a Beautiful person! What a Beautiful Spirit
bursting with Love.
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Thursday 03 September
By J. Smith
This is a beautiful story and an even more beautiful young lady. Her spirit shines bright. Her movements moved me to tears. You can imagine her with hands and legs just by the way she moves her body. Amazing to watch and extremely inspirational. Makes me wanna slap myself for every complaint I ever had about my life.
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Tuesday 08 September
By Cecelia
That was AWESOME! I would love to help someone's dream come true. I own a Family Practice Clinic in Smithfield, Va and if there is anyone that this organization has found that I could help, please do contact me.
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