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OpinionJanuary 2, 2003

The powerfully inspirational story of Peyton Young and his wonderful parents, Mike and Corrie Young, is an amazing one. Six-year-old Peyton has CHARGE syndrome, a rare genetic birth defect that has left the boy legally blind, largely deaf and without the ability to talk, swallow food or wrestle with his brother or play catch with his dad...

The powerfully inspirational story of Peyton Young and his wonderful parents, Mike and Corrie Young, is an amazing one. Six-year-old Peyton has CHARGE syndrome, a rare genetic birth defect that has left the boy legally blind, largely deaf and without the ability to talk, swallow food or wrestle with his brother or play catch with his dad.

In spite of Peyton's challenges, his is not a sad story.

Peyton goes to school.

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He communicates, although crudely.

And, perhaps most importantly, he enjoys the love of his parents, who have dedicated much of their lives to making his life more meaningful.

Now, Peyton has repaid them by taking a few steps on his own, something they never dreamed he would do. His mother says that Peyton will end up accomplishing more than anyone thinks he will -- and we don't doubt it.

We told their story in the Southeast Missourian on Christmas Eve, but we like to think of it also as a New Year's story. It's a story of new beginnings, hope eternal and overcoming the odds. That's a story from which we all can learn.

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