A healthy lifestyle can mitigate genetic risk for early death by 62%, study suggests
Even if your genetics put you at greater risk for early death, a healthy lifestyle could help you significantly combat it, according to a new study.
"Life is for service." Those are the words Rollins College valedictorian Elizabeth Bonker lives by -- words that inspired Rollins' most famous graduate, Mr. Fred Rogers. Bonker, who is nonspeaking and has autism, gave a remarkable address during her school's recent commencement ceremony in Winter Park, Florida.
Clad in a cap and gown decorated with flowers, Bonker explained, through a text-to-speech program, how she typed her remarks using a single finger with the help of a communication aide. People with nonspeaking autism have trouble developing speech, and in Bonker's case, neuromotor issues inhibit her communication and her ability to do some other basic tasks.
Learning to type changed everything.
"That one critical intervention unlocked my mind from its silent cage," she said during her address.
About 25% to 30% of people with autism are nonspeaking, according to one 2018 study. That definition can range from no speech whatsoever to a small set of sounds or words. By Bonker's estimate, there are about 31 million people around the world like her.
Her goal is to help them find their voice, as she has.
"I have a dream. Communication for all," she said. "My life will be dedicated to relieving them from suffering in silence."
In her address, Bonker said she has often been minimized or cast aside because of her differences, and her high school principal once called her a slur and said she would never be a valedictorian.
However, Bonker encouraged her fellow students to hold fast to their freedom to choose their own outlook and their own way in life, which she called a "fundamental human right."
In that freedom to choose, Bonker hopes her fellow graduates will choose to live a life like Mister Rogers did, and like she intends to.
"We are all called to serve as an everyday act of humility; as a habit of mind; to see the worth in every person we serve," she said.
Bonker was one of five graduating students to earn a 4.0 GPA, and Rollins College said her fellow valedictorians unanimously chose her to address their fellow graduates.
"Elizabeth's message has given hope to millions of people who are nonspeaking autistic, and their families," Rollins College President Grant Cornwell said in a statement provided to CNN. "We are thrilled for Elizabeth and hope the attention to her story supports her advocacy work going forward."
During her time at Rollins, Bonker also founded Communication 4 ALL, a nonprofit that supports her dream of ending stigma and silence for other nonspeaking people with autism.
Even if your genetics put you at greater risk for early death, a healthy lifestyle could help you significantly combat it, according to a new study.
Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.
Repeat car thieves may face lengthy license bans under proposed changes to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
Frito Lay Canada is recalling two of its most popular snacks due to a possible risk of salmonella contamination.
You would be forgiven for thinking Christina Lauren's latest romance novel stars a hunky reimagining of Loblaw chairman Galen G. Weston.
Ellen DeGeneres is reflecting on how her talk show came to an end in her newest Netflix special, 'Ellen's Last Stand ... Up Tour.'
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in Stage 3 of the league's player assistance program.
After nearly 15 years in business, Shawnda Walker said the past 12 months has been the busiest year yet for her North York head lice removal company.
Two daughters and a mother were reunited online 40 years later thanks to a DNA kit and a Zoom connection despite living on three separate continents and speaking different languages.
Mother's Day can be a difficult occasion for those who have lost or are estranged from their mom.
YES Theatre Young Company opened its acclaimed kids’ show, One Small Step, at Sudbury Theatre Centre on Saturday.
An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
A Listowel, Ont. man, drafted by the Hamilton Tigercats last week, is also getting looks from the NFL, despite only playing 27 games of football in his life.
The threat of zebra mussels has prompted the federal government to temporarily ban watercraft from a Manitoba lake popular with tourists.
A small Ajax dessert shop that recently received a glowing review from celebrity food critic Keith Lee is being forced to move after a zoning complaint was made following the social media influencer’s visit last month.
The Canada Science and Technology Museum is inviting visitors to explore their poop. A new exhibition opens at the Ottawa museum on Friday called, 'Oh Crap! Rethinking human waste.'