At John’s Crazy Socks, we believe that nothing can hold us back. And sometimes, when you least expect it, that belief gets confirmed in the most beautiful way.
Last week, John and his dad Mark traveled to Portland, Oregon, to visit a local school’s transition program. These are students with differing abilities who are getting ready to enter the adult world—through work, continued education, and independent living. John spoke with the students about his own journey: launching a business, being an entrepreneur, and living with Down syndrome. The room was filled with laughter, curiosity, and a whole lot of questions.
But one moment stood out from the rest.
John met a student named Ser Nay Paw. They had a long conversation about their favorite movies and what she was learning in school. Ser Nay Paw uses a wheelchair and does not have the use of her hands. But that hasn’t stopped her from becoming an artist. She cannot paint with her hands, so she paints with her feet. She told John all about her paintings. They are so beautiful.
As they finished their conversation, Ser Nay Paw had her aide bring over a painting. She pulled John close and gave him the painting. John gave her a great big hug.
John said, “This is so beautiful. You created an awesome painting. I love it.”
Ser Nay Paw has turned what many might see as a limitation into a strength. She inspires.
“My heart was full after watching John with our students,” said the lead teacher, Annie Harrell.
This is why we do what we do. Why we travel, why we speak, why we sell socks. Because every pair of socks we sell helps us meet people like Ser Nay Paw. Every purchase supports our mission to show the world what people with differing abilities can do.
About John’s Crazy Socks
John’s Crazy Socks was inspired by John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his love of colorful and fun socks—what he calls his “crazy socks.” He and his father, Mark X. Cronin, started the company as a social enterprise with the mission of Spreading Happiness™. With more than 4,000 socks, John’s Crazy Socks is now the world’s largest sock store. More than half their employees have a differing ability, and their Giving Back program has raised over $800,000 for charity partners like the Special Olympics and the National Down Syndrome Society. Most of all, they are Spreading Happiness.
For more information about John’s Crazy Socks, visit our webpage, Facebook page, Instagram account or YouTube channel. You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email at service@johnscrazysocks.com.
