13-Year-Old spelling bee champion with Down syndrome inspires
By Rick Quan
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HONOLULU (KITV) — Jan. 31 is the final day of Birth Defects Awareness Month. The theme this year is “Every Journey Matters.” Island News met a 13-year-old girl who is breaking stereotypes when it comes to having Down syndrome.
Since she was a little girl, Ellen Ruckmann-Bruch has had a love for words.
“It’s like brain food that you can actually eat. It helps your brain grow and helps you understand basic words you can hear and it just brings you joy and makes you really happy inside,” Ellen said.
Ellen is not just great at reading words but spelling them. For the last two years she was the spelling bee champ at Honolulu Waldorf School. This past weekend she made it to the third round of the district competition.
“She can do anything that she puts her mind to. She can do anything any other kids in grades can do. And what I love about the spelling bee is that that’s one of the things you can’t fake. There is no accommodations for a spelling bee. You get up, you spell your word and you sit down and Ellen held her own with every other kid in her school and with kids from across the district,” said Ben Bruch, one of Ellen’s parents.
Ellen’s achievements are numerous. She’s run three virtual Honolulu marathons, has had her poetry published and speaks fluent German with her parents.
“She inspires me every single day. Every day. Her tenacity, her love of learning, her love of life, her joy,” said Rudiger Ruckmann, one of Ellen’s parents. “Ellen has a saying this is the best day of my life and she says that every day and it’s taught me to take nothing for granted.”
Down syndrome is caused by having an extra chromosome. It can cause developmental delays and physical problems. Ellen has had her share of challenges but maintains a positive attitude.
“And if you feel down about yourself, or doubts themself about who they are, then they need to know they don’t need to doubt themselves. Just keep on believing in yourself, and have confidence, and everything in life will bring you happiness,” Ellen said.
As a gay couple, Rudiger and Ben have faced their own discrimination but are inspired to see how their daughter has overcome both physical and social obstacles.
“What people think those limitations will be is just in their minds. You have to know your child, every child is different. It’s important not to set those limits, as Rudiger always says, let the sky be the limit,” Ben said.
“Before she was born, I wondered if I would miss out on anything. I haven’t missed out on anything,” Rudiger said. “And what I love most is that she realizes that she can be an advocate for people with disabilities.”
“I love you Daddy, best parent ever!” Ellen replied.
For Ellen, that’s how you spell family.
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