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Carole Mikita ReportingMost individuals who are afflicted by disabilities will tell you that they wish to fulfill their dreams, just like those who are able-bodied. We found a man who is living an extraordinary life and fulfilling his lifelong dreams while overcoming a lot.
As a child, Logan Madsen dreamed of becoming an artist; he is now realizing that dream.
Logan Madsen, Artist: "Well, it's amazing. I mean not everyone can do what they are passionate about, and to be able to do this under the circumstances I have been given in my life, I think it's a real big accomplishment."
Madsen has a rare genetic condition called Miller Syndrome. It affected the development of his face, hands, feet and limbs. He suffers constant and sometimes unbearable pain so there was a time when he didn't think he would be able to fulfill his dream. But the physical pain isn't the most difficult part of his life.
Logan Madsen: "Psychologically it takes its toll harder than the physical."
Madsen says sometimes his challenges, the pain, people's perceptions of him, depression, have been so unbearable that he has found it difficult to even want to continue living, but his love for art gives him hope and the strength to carry on.
Logan Madsen: "I want to do more of it and I can't wait to do more of it."
Ruth Lubbers, the executive director for Art Access, a group that supports developing artists, wants Logan Madsen to be recognized first as a good painter.
Ruth Lubbers, Executive Director of Art Access: "Logan's disabilities certainly plays into what he does and he's been able to use it and make something very special out of his art."
He wants others who may be struggling with disabilities or other problems to know that if they have a passion, there is a way to do it. All but one of Logan's paintings have sold. His exhibit closes tonight.
