200-million people around the world have intellectual disabilities and nearly 2.5 million people with these impairments compete in the Special Olympics.

 

Lyndonville resident Robert Gardner was in Santiago Dominican Republic for work but found love with the use of very little words. Three months after marriage Roberts wife Brigida became pregnant with her second child but the couples first together. The pregnancy went full term but when Levi was born he only weighed three pounds four ounces. Brigida reflects on the day Levi was born.

"A lot of problems Levi I don't know how I treat it how baby is so small so with problems but I do good."

The diagnosis of Levi was a syndrome so rare it is simply referred to as the unknown syndrome. Levi was born mentally handicapped as well as a cleft pallet ears that require hearing aids and the syndrome also affects the growth and maturation process that limits his mobility and flexibility.

"So special a lot of special to me I stay home all the time with the boy I never seen that kind of problem and stuff."

Seven years after Levi was born Brigida was pregnant again with a boy. Robert had to move his growing family back to the United States because of work. Robert remembers the move vividly.

"My wife Brigida she was eight months pregnant at the time when we came up with Adam so its the matter we had to come up here kind of quick and get settled and Adam was born up here soon after we got here."

Adam was born almost a pound more than his brother but he as well was diagnosed with the unknown syndrome. A few years after Adam's birth the family was struck with the tragedy of losing their only daughter, Lory, in a fatal car accident. The family was left in disbelief but the Gardner family was brought closer together by the Special Olympics despite the affects of the syndrome Levi chose basketball. His coach, Frank Cuccia, loves Levi's attitude.

"Levi's a warrior he's just a warrior he is a leader and he's got self confidence like anybody would like to have I mean I don't care who your talking about that young man can do just about anything if you don't believe me ask him."

During the Special Olympic games Adam and Levi are sure to have the one of the loudest cheerleaders there. Brigida is a very proud mother.

"I feel so happy I feel so proud for the two boys I want to clap and holler and say okay Levi you can do it, Adam you can do it."

Levi's determination and competitiveness led to him to excel in track as well and was selected by the special Olympic committee to represent the state of Vermont in three track events. The 400 and 800-meter dash and the long jump all of which he expects to receive the highest of honor.

"I can't wait to get there. It will be a lot of fun get the gold medals all three medals gold medals."

Because of Levi's syndrome he uses his actions to speak louder than words and his father loves how Levi leads by example.

"Levi has shown a lot of people what he has to go through and people have learned things can be done even though you don't have all your natural abilities to do things."

The summer games Levi will compete in will be held in Lincoln, Nebraska. All of us at News 7 and NewsLINC wish Levi the best.