Inspiration Station: Gaten Matarazzo

“I have Cleidocranial Dysplasia (CCD), but I want people to know that having a disability is not something you should be ashamed of or afraid of showing. I actually think having CCD helped me in my career. I was small for my age, which helped me land roles in theater. It has become a positive thing that makes me stand out.”

—GATEN MATARAZZO, star of Stranger Things, has a disorder that affects the development of the bones and teeth. It can make people appear younger than they actually are. When Gaten landed the role of Dustin on Stranger Things, the producers actually wrote the disorder into his character’s role. This has raised awareness about the rare condition, and Gaten has been able to start a charity called CCD Smiles to advance research and provide financial assistance to kids who cannot afford the procedures needed to give them awesome smiles!

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