Our family is deeply offended by Mitt Romney’s insulting comments at a fundraiser in Florida. Our daughter has suffered with a severe case of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis since she was 3. Through the years, she has endured many surgeries to correct the debilitating effects of this disease. Despite her pain and disability, she earned a master’s degree in social work and has been continually employed in her profession. Could she have viewed herself as a victim and dependent and qualified for disability payments? Maybe, but she never even considered it.

Not only does she continue to work in a challenging position, but she gives back to the community as well. Last year, she was honored by the American Red Cross and was also invited to speak at a TEDx Miami conference.

Clearly, she has taken responsibility for her life. Is she unique? Of course not. Many individuals with disabilities, limitations of education, family background and financial constraints are motivated to be significant contributors, regardless of the challenges they face. It is said that a society is judged by how it values it weakest members.

Ken and Sandy Baer, Miami