2016 Shining Star Award will be presented by
Larry Anderson of the Philadelphia Phillies to
John Michael Downing
John and his twin brother Benjamin were born 16 weeks early. Sadly Benjamin did not survive. John spent 74 days on a ventilator and 110 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. His first months of life were full of challenges, but John fought every day to survive.
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John had Retinopathy of Prematurity, which has caused his blindness. He can see some light, bright colors and shadows out of one eye.
Now 15 years old and a seventh grader at a school for children with visual impairment, John loves music and technology, hoping to one day work at Apple.
Several years ago, he was part of a small choir that sang the national anthem at a Phillies game. As part of his VIP day at the Phillies, John met Larry Anderson, Cameron Rupp and Carlos Ruiz, and was treated to a special behind the scenes tour.