Angel’s Story

“I learn differently, and that’s perfectly okay.”

🧬 About Me

Name: Aaron Cager (prefer to be called Angel)
Age: 15
Date of Birth: June 17
Country/region: British Columbia, Canada
Condition: Chromosome 8p Deletion
Other Conditions: Hearing Loss

🧠 What is Chromosome 8p Deletion?

Chromosome 8p deletion means a small part of the short arm (“p”) of chromosome 8 is missing. This affects how the brain and body develop.

  • Developmental delays
  • Speech and language difficulties
  • Learning challenges
  • Some physical or medical differences

🗣️ My Speech & Language

Because of my 8p deletion, I have:

  • Delayed speech (I talked later than most kids)
  • Difficulty pronouncing words clearly
  • Trouble understanding or using language
  • Speech sounds that may be hard to understand
  • Slower processing of spoken instructions

This is not because I’m not smart—it’s just how my brain works!

💬 What Helps Me Learn

  • Speech therapy helped me a lot when I was younger
  • Now, I get extra support at school
  • Visuals, repetition, and kindness help me succeed

👂 My Hearing Loss

I have partial hearing loss in my right ear. This means I don’t hear sounds on that side clearly. My hearing loss is described as severe to normal in my right ear, and normal to slight in my left ear. This means that I can't hear certain speech sounds in my right ear (specially softer and more quieter speech sounds).

  • I might not hear you if you're on my right side
  • Speaking clearly and louder helps
  • Quiet places help me concentrate
  • I like visual instructions and written directions

My hearing difference is part of who I am—and I’m proud of that!

🏫 How Teachers & Friends Can Help

  • Be patient—let me finish speaking
  • Use short, clear instructions
  • Use pictures or gestures to help me understand
  • Give me time to respond
  • Ask if I need help—and encourage me
  • Celebrate my progress, not just perfection!

💪 My Strengths

  • I’m creative and kind
  • I try my best and never give up
  • I see the world in my own unique way
  • I learn better when I see and do things
  • I may learn differently—but I still shine!

❤️ A Message from Me

“Having chromosome 8p deletion doesn’t stop me from learning or dreaming. I just learn differently. I want people to understand that being different doesn't mean weakness or broken--it means unique. It's like having a superpwer."