Donald Beyette

Donald Beyette of Mayville, MI. was born in 1949 with Holt Oram syndrome, but has never allowed his affliction to slow him down. Holt Oram syndrome also known as hand heart disease deformed the right side of his body. His right arm is six inches shorter than the left arm, and he is also without a wrist or thumb on the right hand, his left side seems to be perfectly normal. After being crushed in his muffler shop in 2001 on the good sided of his body, he stated, “I think being born with the handicap prepared me for the five years it would take to rehabilitate myself. I think rehabilitating my left leg and arm has been more difficult than growing up with a deformity.” Mr. Beyette has competed in several AYYA (American Yo-Yo Association) yo-yo competitions throughout the United States. He has astounded people with the ability he has with the yo-yo in spite of his deformity. He states: "I know that I'm not going to win the competition. I just like to compete and show that handicapped people can do the impossible." Overcoming all obstacles with deep resolve and the help of God, Don has even learned to perform Masters Division yo-yo tricks, an amazing level of ability. He has been presented with the Duncan Yo-Yo Champion patch and credited with designing several new tricks as well as having once worked as a yo-yo demonstrator for the Mackinaw kite company. Inevitably, Beyette combined his extraordinary motivational message with his yo-yo talent as “puppets” the clown which brings a smile to the face of every child no matter how old. In 2006 he astounded his friends by purchasing and riding a 1996 Honda Rebel motorcycle. "My friends Cliff Sword & Mike Smith extended the right hand handlebar 4 1/2 inches. It makes the bike a lot more comfortable to ride. Now all I need is to get the handlebars chromed," Beyette’s friend Mr. Sword stated, "My jaw dropped when I saw Don get on that motorcycle and ride it without any adaptations. I found it astounding that he could work the throttle without a thumb or wrist." Although Mr. Beyette will never again be able to work as a mechanic (the doctors have placed a 15 pound load lifting limit on him) he continues to amaze and encourage others (handicapped or not) to do the very best that they can. "When the boss complains about being shorthanded, tell him to get over it, I did," Don laughs. When asked what he most desired, Mr. Beyette stated: "I would like to tour one summer with Mr. Tom Smothers (the original yo-yo man) and do yo-yo tricks on stage with him, imagine the encouragement we would give to others!" Mr. Beyette’s unrelenting self motivation, child friendly image and amazing yo-yo talent make him a must in your church, in your school and in your heart.