Burke focuses on abilities, goals

By Jonathan Sampson
Staff Reporter

Chris Burke said he doesn’t like to talk about Down syndrome because that’s not what he wants to focus on. Instead of his disability, he said he focuses on his ability.

“This is the way I see things,” he said. “Maybe I have Down syndrome, maybe I have a disability, but I have the ability to be anybody’s friend, and that’s really important to me.”

Burke, who played Corky Thacher on the ABC television show “Life Goes On,” now travels around the country speaking about his experiences on the show, his involvement with the National Down Syndrome Society and how people should never give up on their dreams.

Marian Burke, Chris Burke’s mom, said Chris Burke has been speaking to groups ever since “Life Goes On” went off the air in 1993.

“I think people were so enthused about the fact that someone with a disability, especially Down syndrome, was able to really do the good job he did on ‘Life Goes On’ that they immediately became interested in his speaking to various groups,” she said.

Chris Burke also works with the National Down Syndrome Society as editor in chief for its news magazine for children with Down syndrome and their siblings, Marian Burke said. He also represents the society as a goodwill ambassador and self advocate.

She said one common misconception about children with Down syndrome is that they can’t learn.

“These young people who are born with this disability are capable of learning, and the earlier that we start (teaching them), the better they’re going to be,” she said.

Jeni Durant, assistant director to the Rise School, agrees that early intervention is important, but she said there will always be a need for assistance.

“Not every child born with Down syndrome is going to be like Chris Burke,” she said.

Marian Burke said Chris Burke doesn’t dwell on the disability.

“(Chris) really doesn’t focus on his Down syndrome because he doesn’t think it’s anything to focus on,” she said.

Chris Burke said he wants people to see the importance of working to overcome any obstacle.

“I really would encourage my fans to believe in themselves and to work hard and to never give up,” he said. “Never take your eyes off the goal, and make your dreams come true.”

Jonathan Sampson
j.m.sampson@student.tcu.edu