Pro-Life Estevan and area wants to show the community what kind of great things can arise when people face and overcome challenges in their lives. The association’s upcoming fundraiser concert at Estevan Comprehensive School will feature the talents of Tony DeBlois, a man who has faced, overcame, and flourished in the face of many challenges in his life.
DeBlois, who is autistic, was born weighing barely over one pound, and without eyes. His life has dealt him a gauntlet of challenges relating to his disabilities. Despite this, he has gone on to develop tremendous musical skill with the piano.
And with those challenges, comes potential. The 41-year old has savant syndrome, manifesting as an amount of musical talent well outside the realm of the average — something that often occurs in people with disabilities. This talent is evident in the shockingly quick way he can learn music, and how effortlessly his skillful playing appears to be.
DeBlois’ musical talents don’t end in front of a piano, either. He can also proficiently play 22 other instruments. DeBlois is the recipient of the Boston Celtics’ Heroes Among Us award, in 2003, and has appeared in the 1997 CBS made for TV movie, Journey of the Heart, as well as a multitude of documentaries and TV specials over the years.
“I chose him for the concert because I heard him at a convention four years ago in Winnipeg, and I was blown away by his story, his enthusiasm, and the by the fact that he’s so inspiring,” said Bridget Bittman, president of the Pro-Life Estevan and area. “He had this sense of humour from what he’s done, and he’s so positive and upbeat.”
DeBlois’ favourite phrase is “I haven’t learned that yet,” a fitting thing to say for someone who has shown and continues to show the capacity he has for learning and excelling with many types of music.
Bittman said, “We want to inspire people with a great message. It’s not heavy-handed in any way, shape or form. When he was born, doctors said, ‘Why bother letting him live?’ The mother made that decision, ‘Yes I know he has disabilities, but he’s my child.’ Look what a blessing he’s been to the world.
“People told the mother he was going to be nothing but a burden when he was a child, but he’s been nothing but a joy and an inspiration,” Bittman added.
The concert is slated to take place at the ECS on Oct. 16, and will run from 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the Estevan Pro-Life office, ECS, or Henders Drugs.
