By Laura Orvieto
[email protected]
Music is magic; it caresses our senses and invites us to smile. I still remember like it was yesterday when at this year’s Puerto Rican parade I was attracted to walk towards a float lead by an awesome mix of music. My surprise was as I approached to notice that the DJ was a child of only nine years of age! His wonderful mix of music had more than one enjoying and dancing, including me.
The story of "DJ Ju5tin" is a very inspiring one. This little musical genius suffers from a rare disease called Glycogen Storage Disease, which affects the heart, liver, muscles and speech. Because of his illness, Justin did not walk until he was 3-years old and it was then that doctors realized what he had. Music has definitely been a big help and therapy for him, since it is difficult for him to communicate, music is his voice and a way to communicate to the world his great spirit. In spite of his illness, the most important thing about Justin is his message. His talent is one thing and his illness is another. As described by his father Dan, Justin teaches us about the importance of never giving up despite all the obstacles.
Dan told us that when Justin was just 5-years old, he realized that he was very attracted to watching him doing his DJ work and he began to tell his father that he wanted to try. One day, Dan allowed him to play with his equipment and “DJ Ju5tin” was born! Dan saw on Justin’s face the special connection that his son made with music, and realized that his little Justin was truly blessed with musical talent. DJ Ju5tin is currently has 9-years old and started his DJ career at age 5, which is the reason for the number 5 instead of the "s" in his stage name "DJ Ju5tin".
DJ Ju5tin generally enjoys upbeat music which becomes a therapy because he moves a lot and this is very good for his health. DJ Ju5tin has had a very successful career so far, meeting many famous artists such as Farruko, Hector Acosta "El Torito", the boys of Aventura, Bachata Heights, among others.
His parents admire his strength and think that perhaps many adults would’ve surrendered to similar circumstances. Because of his disease he must follow a very strict treatment 4 times a day and despite his young age, he is very disciplined. Dan mentioned that as parents, they have learned that no matter what happens in life you have to fight. Justin is a role model for many children that suffer from illness. They follow him on social media and even send him written letters. Justin has a 3 year old brother, who suffers from the same disease, and he is looking to follow in his footsteps. Justin is an inspiration to his little brother, teaching him to focus on the positive in life. He recently completed his 2014 tour, visiting places like Puerto Rico, New Orleans, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. DJ Ju5tin recently performed live at the Red Sox Stadium in Boston and with renowned DJ Alex Sensation from La Mega 97.9 in New York City.
Through his music, DJ Ju5tin spreads a beautiful message of perseverance. He teaches us that we should never stop fighting for our dreams. There are obstacles in life and sometimes we have no control over the things that happen but we must never give up. I feel incredibly honored to write about him. I invite you to get to know a little more about him, listen to music and follow him on social media, where you can find him as "DjJu5tin".
[email protected]
Music is magic; it caresses our senses and invites us to smile. I still remember like it was yesterday when at this year’s Puerto Rican parade I was attracted to walk towards a float lead by an awesome mix of music. My surprise was as I approached to notice that the DJ was a child of only nine years of age! His wonderful mix of music had more than one enjoying and dancing, including me.
The story of "DJ Ju5tin" is a very inspiring one. This little musical genius suffers from a rare disease called Glycogen Storage Disease, which affects the heart, liver, muscles and speech. Because of his illness, Justin did not walk until he was 3-years old and it was then that doctors realized what he had. Music has definitely been a big help and therapy for him, since it is difficult for him to communicate, music is his voice and a way to communicate to the world his great spirit. In spite of his illness, the most important thing about Justin is his message. His talent is one thing and his illness is another. As described by his father Dan, Justin teaches us about the importance of never giving up despite all the obstacles.
Dan told us that when Justin was just 5-years old, he realized that he was very attracted to watching him doing his DJ work and he began to tell his father that he wanted to try. One day, Dan allowed him to play with his equipment and “DJ Ju5tin” was born! Dan saw on Justin’s face the special connection that his son made with music, and realized that his little Justin was truly blessed with musical talent. DJ Ju5tin is currently has 9-years old and started his DJ career at age 5, which is the reason for the number 5 instead of the "s" in his stage name "DJ Ju5tin".
DJ Ju5tin generally enjoys upbeat music which becomes a therapy because he moves a lot and this is very good for his health. DJ Ju5tin has had a very successful career so far, meeting many famous artists such as Farruko, Hector Acosta "El Torito", the boys of Aventura, Bachata Heights, among others.
His parents admire his strength and think that perhaps many adults would’ve surrendered to similar circumstances. Because of his disease he must follow a very strict treatment 4 times a day and despite his young age, he is very disciplined. Dan mentioned that as parents, they have learned that no matter what happens in life you have to fight. Justin is a role model for many children that suffer from illness. They follow him on social media and even send him written letters. Justin has a 3 year old brother, who suffers from the same disease, and he is looking to follow in his footsteps. Justin is an inspiration to his little brother, teaching him to focus on the positive in life. He recently completed his 2014 tour, visiting places like Puerto Rico, New Orleans, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. DJ Ju5tin recently performed live at the Red Sox Stadium in Boston and with renowned DJ Alex Sensation from La Mega 97.9 in New York City.
Through his music, DJ Ju5tin spreads a beautiful message of perseverance. He teaches us that we should never stop fighting for our dreams. There are obstacles in life and sometimes we have no control over the things that happen but we must never give up. I feel incredibly honored to write about him. I invite you to get to know a little more about him, listen to music and follow him on social media, where you can find him as "DjJu5tin".