BOUNDARY BREAKER #1
Meet Katelyn C.
The Birthday Wish That Reached the World!
It started with a goal of 321 birthday cards. For her 21st birthday, Katelyn set out to collect 321 birthday cards—a meaningful play on 3/21, representing the three copies of the 21st chromosome associated with Down syndrome.
What happened next was bigger than she ever imagined. Her story went viral, and instead of 321 cards, Katelyn received "more than 8,113 cards"—with cards arriving from all 50 states, 21 countries, and every continent.
More Than a Number
8,113+ cards may have brought Katelyn's story to people around the world, but there is so much more to Katelyn than a number.
Katelyn is a happy, social young woman who finds joy everywhere and genuinely loves people. Whether she's performing on stage, competing in sports, volunteering, traveling, worshipping, or simply spending time with the people she loves, she has a way of connecting with others.
As a freshman, Katelyn joined her junior high cheerleading team and was held to the same expectations as her teammates—including 6 a.m. practices and attending games. Some of her teammates weren't sure at first what having Katelyn on the team would be like, but by the end of the season, they had voted her “Heart of the Team.”
That was only the beginning. Katelyn went on to be voted Sophomore Prom Queen, elected Junior Vice President in student government, and crowned Homecoming Queen her senior year alongside her boyfriend, who was voted Homecoming King.
A Life Full of Possibility
From the stage to the swimming pool, from serving others to exploring the world, Katelyn continues to show just how many ways there are to shine.
👑 Leadership & Stage
Katelyn has been part of National Miss Amazing since 2015, earning multiple Utah titles and representing her state at Nationals.
Her journey has included first-runner-up finishes as a Pre-Teen, being crowned Junior Teen Queen in 2017, Teen Queen in 2021, and Junior Miss in 2023.
Katelyn is a Special Olympics gold, silver, and bronze medalist, earning medals across swimming, dance, basketball, bowling, and bocce.
Whether she's in the pool, on the court, on the dance floor, or trying something new, Katelyn loves being part of the action.
🏅 Athlete
💛 Service & Faith
For four years, Katelyn volunteered twice a week at Fairfield Village, helping with activities for residents.
Her service through student council, Miss Amazing, and the temple also earned her the Governor's Silver Service Award.
Faith remains an important part of Katelyn's life, and serving others is especially meaningful to her.
🌎 Adventure & Connection
Katelyn loves exploring new places and staying connected with people wherever she goes.
She has traveled to Australia many times, as well as Denmark and the Netherlands, and maintains friendships and family connections across the United States and overseas.
What Makes Katelyn, Katelyn
Awards and accomplishments tell only part of Katelyn's story. It's the people she loves, the things that bring her joy, and the enthusiasm she brings to life that truly make Katelyn, Katelyn.
💚 A Little Bit Wicked
Calling Katelyn a Wicked fan might be an understatement. From birthday cakes and seeing Wicked on Broadway to singing the songs and surrounding herself with all things pink and green, Wicked has definitely found a place in Katelyn's heart.
💙 Her People
Family and friendships mean everything to Katelyn. The youngest of five siblings and an aunt six times over, she loves spending time with family, going out with friends, and staying connected with people across the country and overseas. She has also shared many special milestones with her longtime boyfriend.
💛 Joy Comes Naturally
Katelyn loves to sing, travel, celebrate, laugh, and be with people. She's social, affectionate, and brings enthusiasm to the things she loves. Whether she's headed somewhere exciting or simply enjoying an ordinary day, Katelyn finds plenty of reasons to smile.
Katelyn seeing Wicked on Broadway 💚
Every Boundary Breaker Has a Story.
Katelyn's story reminds us that there is so much more to a person than a diagnosis, a label, or what others may expect. When we recognize strengths, celebrate accomplishments, and create opportunities, we begin to see what has been there all along—possibility.
Who will be our next Boundary Breaker?
Know someone who is breaking through boundaries, reaching new heights, or showing the world they are capable of more? We want to celebrate them.