Javad Mashinchi
2003 Community Hero
One and a half year old Javad is known as "Boopi," which means owl in Turkish. He loves his dog "Mooka," playing with small cars, and seeing how things work. He's often found watching his favorite shows, The Wiggles and Veggie Tales.
Javad was diagnosed with a rare condition called Congenital Myasthenia Gravis, a rare nerve and muscle syndrome. He spent the first eight months of his life in the hospital, battling numerous bouts of pneumonia. This rare syndrome affects each child differently, and Javad and his parents must face the unknown each day.
Javad’s spirit and perseverance draws others in and touches their hearts. Out of this experience, the family has grown stronger. “We have been able to help others in difficult situations and touch lives that would have not been impacted otherwise. Our family has grown closer and our other children have grown more tolerant of those who are not “perfect”.
