Deseret News | Seeing Burgon: Blind, deaf teen lives her life to the fullest

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Seeing Burgon: Blind, deaf teen lives her life to the fullest

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Lyle | 8:47 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009

Thanks for such a touching story. After reading a story like this, what does the word "handicapped" mean anyway?

Anonymous | 9:08 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009

Amazing,
I am inspired to do better. I can do more than I think I can.

a choice | 9:26 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009

Attitude is still a choice - I know a few people disabled from birth and they still say "WHY ME." I am inspired...

Comments continue below

anonymous | 9:46 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009

Beautiful.

Karli | 10:13 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009

I go to hillcrest with Burgon and am on PLT with her. And i don't know one person who doesn't love her. You're an amazing girl. We all love you.

Amazing | 10:33 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009

What an amazing Girl. What an amazing Attitude, Talent and Life. Thank you for sharing it with us!

Anne | 11:31 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009

That is so cool and inspiring!! I live in Hawaii

mom of five | 12:13 a.m. Sept. 21, 2009

What a fantastic article. I loved the poems. You are an inspiring girl, Burgon!

Lisa | 12:35 a.m. Sept. 21, 2009

This gives me courage to try to reach out to others even when it is awkward. Thank you for sharing your story.

Anonymous | 2:59 a.m. Sept. 21, 2009

Such an impressive girl!

I must add that I was also impressed by her family and even by the students at her school. There are many schools in many cities where a person struggling with her disabilities would have faced a great deal of abuse.

Friend in Ghana | 3:06 a.m. Sept. 21, 2009

Amazing story...I hope she knows about a Kindle from Amazon. It holds 1500 books and many of the books come through in audio.

Mahershalalhashbaz | 7:33 a.m. Sept. 21, 2009

Beautiful girl! Loved the story. I feel like I'm a better person for having read it.

Monsieur Doyle | 8:26 a.m. Sept. 21, 2009

What a blessing to go to such a wonderful school like Hillcrest! It's a place with caring teachers and accepting students. Burgon's story (and many others like her) is a testament to the resiliency and capacity of the human spirit.

Encouraged | 9:32 a.m. Sept. 21, 2009

What a blessing you are Burgon. Thank you for inspiring me to want to be better. You and your family are beautiful!

Thank you | 9:38 a.m. Sept. 21, 2009

Thank you for the reminder how simple life is and should be!!! What an inspiration to all of us and I hope life continues to move forward for you (Burgon) and famiy.

A Friend | 9:55 a.m. Sept. 21, 2009

Burgon, I loved reading your story. I'm going to tell all my children about you. I hope it will make them more willing to become friends with people who have differences. Thank you.

Anonymous | 10:10 a.m. Sept. 21, 2009

Beautiful.

Elaine | 10:20 a.m. Sept. 21, 2009

Burgon,
I've been an admirer since you were a baby. I admire your "can do" attitude, your academic successes, and your physical prowess. I admire even more your sensitive, sweet, gentle, interested-in-others-nature, and compassionate spirit. Thank you for inspiring all of us to "be" better too. Your parents are top flight also. They are to be commended for the same attributes.

I don't feel pity for Burgon | 10:29 a.m. Sept. 21, 2009

But I do feel somewhat ashamed of myself. I have my hearing and my sight and I can't do half of what she has accomplished. Some people see roadblocks and others see stepping stones -- Way to go, Burgon, for seeing stepping stones and making the climb!

utahprincipal801 | 10:40 a.m. Sept. 21, 2009

I'm so inspired by you and your great family! What an asset you all are to our community!

Anonymous | 10:59 a.m. Sept. 21, 2009

Yea for this part of those who succeed. So much arrogance, pride, and taking others out in opportuity. Charisma and an aura of selflessness are beautifu and admired so much because they are the most difficult to develop and hang onto. And she... took the road less traveled by, and it made all the differnce. Ya, you go girl!!!

Very touching and beautiful | 11:00 a.m. Sept. 21, 2009

I very much enjoyed reading Burgeon's story and it touched my heart!

Mike | 11:00 a.m. Sept. 21, 2009

I enjoyed reading this. It shows us that some people see just as fine as us, if not better, but in different ways.

Chris | 11:05 a.m. Sept. 21, 2009

We need more stories like this in the news. Burgon, you inspire us and make us want to be kinder, more courageous, and more creative. Thanks for your example.

Library lady | 11:19 a.m. Sept. 21, 2009

I'm so proud of your accomplishments. I was one of the media aides at Mountview and watched as you navigated the hallways, usually with friends by your side. I remember you coming to the library to learn and practice Braille. You are the proof that you can do anything if you put your mind to it.

Anonymous | 11:52 a.m. Sept. 21, 2009

What an inspiring story. You are an amazing person with an incredible additude and spirit. Wishing you the very best.

Julie Mills.. | 11:53 a.m. Sept. 21, 2009

Burgon,
You looks so Great!!! I am so thankful I have you in my life to inspire me and those around me,your such an amazing Girl.
Cant wait to see what's next.
love ya Girl keep it up!!!

Scott Kiser | 11:56 a.m. Sept. 21, 2009

You are an inspiration to our family.

The Kiser's

Barbara Butler | 1:07 p.m. Sept. 21, 2009

When I started reading this story I prepared myself for crying. I could tell by the first 2 or 3 sentences that this could be a real tear jerker. As I read more I suddenly straightend my shoulders and back and started smiling. This girl could enjoy more of life than me, and she couldn't hear or see. But she did hear and she did see. She could do these things because she knows she is a child of God and knows that He has put her in this position for a reason. And she understands what most of us just don't get - that God always has His hand on her shoulder, guiding her along the way.
I put away my kleenex for another day and opened the blinds so that I can see and hear and be thankful.
Thank you for sharing your story with me.I will forever treasure it.

Usher's Syndrome | 1:15 p.m. Sept. 21, 2009

I enjoyed your artical. Usher's Syndrome Type I is what I think you got. I have Usher's Syndrome Type II. You got more talent than I do. I do fishing, pottery, snow skiing, piano, wook working and I do work for telemarketing using special equipments. I have a son who will be graduating after this school year at your high school and I will be at your graduation to see you. Any idea what college you are going to? Wish you well and you will succeed if you become a Phycologist (that was hard spelling) and working with young deaf/blind children and as well with their parents/peers. You will be fine and glad you got cloclia implant.

Zach Mills | 1:51 p.m. Sept. 21, 2009

Hey Burgon You probably don't know me but I am Julies son. I just wanted say you inspire me to do more. By the way nice guitar. I am impressed that you are my age and do a lot more than I could do in a life time. Thanks for the motivator.

Katie G. | 1:56 p.m. Sept. 21, 2009

I'm so happy to have read this story! I knew Burgon when she was really little and she has always been a special and loving girl. It runs in her family. I remember her brother as a very big hearted, sweet kid.
I'm so happy for the update on her life and am inspired to keep keep going even when challenges are thrown my way!
Way to go Burgon!!!

Jason Bringhurst | 2:07 p.m. Sept. 21, 2009

Burgon

You are awesome!

Jason Bringhurst

Anonymous | 2:43 p.m. Sept. 21, 2009

My Step-Grandmother was blind and played the piano incredibly. I remember my dad turning on a record to a song she'd never heard before and as she played the piano, my dad played the drums. It was an incredible thing. We have newspaper clippings of performances where she played with many bands and/or sang. It's inspiring that so much has been created to help them live the same as anyone else. All the tools that are available were created by caring people. Thanks to those thousands who cared enough to spend the time to help others ("When ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" Jesus Christ) And thanks to you Burgon for not allowing yourself to feel sorry for yourself. You're inspirational!

Idaho Reader | 3:07 p.m. Sept. 21, 2009

I deeply moved by your accomplishments and attitude. What an inspiration to the world.

awsomeron | 3:38 p.m. Sept. 21, 2009

I just hope that she is able to live a full life in everyway and one day have a family of her own.

So many people with limits are prevented by over protective care givers from being all they can be.

People should be allowed to accomplish what ever they want to accomplish with the help and modifications needed to assure safety and prevent injury.

I opened by door one day and a Blind Missionery and his partner where standing there. They had come to dinner.

The Blind Missionery had every thing going for him to include plans for a Temple Wedding upon his return. He told me the only thing he could not do was drive. Over time he explained to me how Blind People do and accomplish what the rest of us take for granted.

Deaf People can feel sound and many enjoy music and Radio and TV. Computers help also.

Like a lot of things it depends on how bad you want it. Plus or Minus whos keeping you from it.

Of course as a fairly "Normal" person it is easyier said then done.

Most people are Not Stevie Wounder or Ray Charles.

Allow Compassion. | 3:42 p.m. Sept. 21, 2009

Burgon definitely is capable of accomplishing everything within her abilities. She is an inspiration. One observation however; Please don't be offended when others 'feel sorry' for you. That is a very common human reaction to people with disabilities. We are not trying to pity you, in fact it is just the opposite, we are expressing compassion and Christ like charity. Everyone of us who has a heart felt that feeling as we read this story. We were inspired by you but we also felt sadness that these challenges are in your life. Just as you feel like you 'Just want to be a normal teenager'. We feel that exact same emotion for you. Allowing others to feel compassion shows the love in their hearts for you. Please don't be offended by it. You are a wonderful inspiration to all of us.

Tony | 4:21 p.m. Sept. 21, 2009

Very nice Burgon! We've always known you were awesome even when you were that cute little girl way back when. You'd better watch out if the guys start reading this. Thanks for everything Burgon. We all love you.

Kaitlyn | 4:53 p.m. Sept. 21, 2009

Burgon, your poetry is beautiful! I hope that by your sweet attitude towards life, and your many talents you will be able to effect many people for the better in your lifetime.

Nick Rakich | 5:20 p.m. Sept. 21, 2009

Burgon, you are an inspiration.

Debbie | 5:32 p.m. Sept. 21, 2009

Thanks,Doug, for this heartwarming story. I love to see positive stuff in the news and I know there are lots of amazing people out there worth more print than all the movie and sports stars put together.

Adam | 5:46 p.m. Sept. 21, 2009

Great story, very inspiring girl and family.

VaLayne | 6:43 p.m. Sept. 21, 2009

An inspiration to be sure, but then your whole family starting with your grandparents Kel and Burnis traveled the upper road......

Josh | 8:13 p.m. Sept. 21, 2009

Burgon, your cousin Nick recommended this article to me. I'm glad I read it. Thanks for your inspiring story and thanks to Doug Robinson for writing an inspiring article. It makes me want to be a better person.

Kamie (Kemp) Tingey | 11:29 p.m. Sept. 21, 2009

Hey cousin! I was so excited to see you in the newspaper, front page! You have so much talent, I smiled and laughed throughout the article. I'm amazed by your example. So many have already stated that they want to try harder after hearing your story, but I feel the same. You've got an amazing attitude. You are blessing everyone around you with your beautiful light and example. I love you!

RaNae Dalgleish | 7:22 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

I hope you know that I love you! I loved having you in my choir class and in the school play. I'm also excited that you are in our play this year! You are such a beautiful girl...inside and out and I am truly blessed to know you!

GENE & JEANANN HUTCHINGS | 7:54 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

WE ARE "OLD" GENE 81 AND I'M 78--BUT READING YOUR ARTICLE WE ARE INSPIRED BY SUCH COURAGE AND DETERMINATION.ISN'T IT WONDERFUL TO LIVE AT A TIME WHEN COMPUTERS AND COCHLEAR IMPLANTS ARE PART OF OUR PROGRESS. KEEP ON SINGING, WRITING POETRY AND BEING THE YOU THAT YOU ARE. BE THANKFUL FOR GOOD PARENTS AND A BROTHER WHO CARES..AND REMEMBER THAT PEOPLE LEARN MORE ABOUT EACH OTHER WHEN THEY OPEN UP THEIR HEARTS TO EACH OTHERS FEELINGS..WE THINK YOU ARE SPECIAL.

Terri Simmons | 12:27 p.m. Sept. 22, 2009

It was truly inspiring to read your article. I wish there were more people out there that had the same attitude as you Bergon, the world would definately be a better place. The sky is the limit - keep being a wonderful example to those around you. The Lord has blessed you!

TKC | 12:52 p.m. Sept. 22, 2009

What a cute article! I like these spotlights!

Merrie | 1:27 p.m. Sept. 22, 2009

Yeah Burgon! What a great article. I have two blind children and I can't believe I haven't meant you yet. Small world in the blind world you know. You must be friends with Kurt. Thanks for the lift. I needed it today. You give me hope for my daughter. I wondered how she would get her make-up on--ha ha.

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