12-year old Boy overcomes disability by making bows to help Shelter Animals

New Jersey native, Darius Brown, was diagnosed with developmental delays when he was 2, but a breakthrough of combining his love of bows with his love of animals has helped him persevere and rise to status of national hero.

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From a young age, doctors informed Darius' mother, Joy, that her son struggled with speech delay, comprehension delay and fine motor skills delay. It was devastating news for a single mother of two to hear, but with the help of her daughter, she worked diligently to encourage his development.

At the age of 8, it was still a challenge for Darius to do every day tasks, such as tying a shoe. However, his mother decided to let him help out his sister with her cosmetology work, giving him tasks such as prepping, cutting and sewing fabric.

The effect was magical! A break-through with Darius' development and the start of something grand. Darius used his new found passion to launch a business when he was 11. Called Beaux and Paws, the company produced custom made bow ties for people and their pets.

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In the wake of hurricanes Harvey and Irma, Darius discovered that dozens of displaced cats and dogs in flooding shelters were to be euthanized if they didn't find a home. The young boy took the opportunity to donate tons of his stylish ties to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Since then, he’s donated hundreds of ties to shelters across the country and is fundraising in order to donate even more. He also donates a portion of his proceeds to the ASPCA.

Darius has been recognized with numerous awards for his charity work, and even caught the attention of President Barack Obama who wrote a letter commending the youth.

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I'm rooting for you too, Darius! Keep up the great work, and continue being a shining beacon of inspiration and hope!