2016-Feb-09

Cisco Olympian: Meet Alexandre Faroni

Alexandre Faroni · Brazil

Alexandre Faroni with wife Tania and son Vitor.

Alexandre Faroni’s eight-year-old son, Vitor, is just like any other young boy. He plays with his toys, watches movies on his iPad and gets into trouble on occasion. He loves soccer, practices judo moves on unsuspecting family members and goes to school—sometimes reluctantly. But Vitor also has Down syndrome, which gives extra meaning to Alexandre’s participation in next summer’s Paralympic Games Torch Relay in Rio.

"I want to use this as a chance to bring awareness to people with special needs and to send a message about the importance of social inclusion," Alexandre says. "This opportunity is a victory for our family. I am representing a cause."

This cause became intensely important to Alexandre and his wife Tania about a decade ago. After trying for several years to have a baby, they had almost given up hope when Tania became pregnant. But just 12 weeks into the pregnancy, doctors told the couple that the child would be born with Down syndrome and asked how they would like to proceed. Without hesitating, the Faronis decided to move forward with the pregnancy, realizing that their lives would be far different than they ever could have imagined.

Vitor, who has Down syndrome, is a happy 8-year-old boy who is full of potential.

Adjusting their priorities and expectations, Alexandre and Tania put all their efforts into giving Vitor every opportunity to grow and develop into the healthy, happy child he is today. Since the day Vitor was born, Alexandre has been a champion for those with special needs, fighting to ensure that his son receives the treatment and care he deserves, even in the face of social discrimination.

"We have been through some very unpleasant situations," Alexandre says. "The feeling of prejudice and discrimination is very bitter. I will do, in my whole lifetime, whatever I can to show everyone how lovely my son is and how much potential he has. When I look at Vitor, I see my son—not a syndrome."

The struggle against prejudice and discrimination is never easy, and Alexandre has proved himself a true embodiment of the Olympic motto "Faster, Higher, Stronger" as he pursues social equality for those with special needs. From working to expose prejudice in the school system to educating others about Down syndrome, Alexandre never stops striving to give his son—and all people with special needs—the life he deserves.

"I want people to understand that he is just a regular kid," Alexandre says. "I know he has limitations, but I focus on believing in his potential, believing that he can reach that potential and allowing him to have as independent a life as possible.

The way Vitor sees life with simplicity and authentic happiness is truly inspiring. It makes me feel very fortunate to be his father, and proud to be carrying the torch for him as a celebration of our story together so far."

After realizing at a young age that his future lay outside the soccer pitch, Alexandre turned to a career in the technology sector. He has been with Cisco for the past decade and a half, in large part because he shares core values that he sees played out every day at work—respect and care for all people and a dedication to benefiting everyone. Alexandre’s quest to help people understand the importance of inclusion makes him a role model for bringing Our People Deal to life at Cisco.

Next summer, as Alexandre accepts the Paralympic Torch on behalf of Cisco, he will do so with his heart and mind full of love for family, company and country.

"I felt a certainty that I should be a part of this program," Alexandre says. "It happened for a reason. I am happy and honored to be representing my son, my company, and what my story means for society."

Alexandre’s amazing commitment to his son and all people with special needs makes him a true Cisco Olympian—changing the world by doing the right thing.