Bullying has become a widespread epidemic and it seems no one is spared from it these days. Unfortunately, people with disabilities are often tormented by vicious tyrants. Sean Maehrer is a young man with Down syndrome who on the one hand was looking forward to his first year of high school and on the other hand was afraid of being bullied by schoolmates. His mother couldn't help him and was worried about him. Would Sean be accepted for the way he was different? Or is he more likely to get hurt emotionally or physically?
So his family and friends sought help on Facebook. There they expressed concern about Sean's first day of high school and their contributions spread like wildfire. It so happened that on the morning of September 1st, 2015, a group of unequal heroes gathered in front of Sean's house and changed his life forever ...
Local motorcycle clubs, known for their support for U.S. troops and veterans, had heard about Sean's first day of high school on Facebook. In just two days they managed to organize a very special accompaniment for Sean's first day at school. And so on the morning of September 1st, dozens of bikers stood in front of Sean's house. The whole neighborhood suddenly stood in front of their houses to experience the incredible moment when Sean met his new biker friends.
These men and women are all kind-hearted and peaceful, but of course they already know how to impress with their looks, with leather jackets, tattoos and muscles. The motorcyclists wanted to send a message to the students to think twice before messing with their new boyfriend, Sean. The goal was to make Sean one of the coolest kids in school and let them all know who's backing Sean.
Sean's parents were completely overwhelmed by the support. You never thought the first day of high school would be so special for Sean. The bikers even gave Sean his very own, individually designed motorcycle helmet and a habit.
Sean's mother had tears in her eyes as she watched the bikers accompany her son to school. The friendship between Sean and the bikers has been sealed since that day and continues to this day. The bikers often go to Sean's football games and cheer him on and cheer him on from the stands.
Sean now has absolutely great friends - and the ultimate protector for life. Moral of the story: You should never judge a book by its cover ...
(Pictures Shawn Gaffney)