EB Community member, Zay’Lynn Johnson, to be Honored with Spirit Award
Every year, the debra of America Spirit Award celebrates an adult and a young person with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) whose strength and spirit shine through their efforts to raise awareness, inspire others, and make a difference in the EB Community.
On Saturday, October 25, 2025, Zay’Lynn Johnson will receive the Youth Spirit Award at the debra of America Annual Gala at Southern Exchange Ballrooms in Atlanta, GA. RSVP here!
Zay’Lynn captured hearts at the Olympic Dance Party during the 2024 debra Care Conference (DCC) in Atlanta, dazzling the crowd with her gymnastics moves and boundless energy. Though EB made it difficult for her to continue gymnastics, Zay’Lynn refused to let that stop her. She tried out for her school’s dance team, and made it! Her story is a true example of resilience, joy, and the unstoppable spirit of our EB kids.
“I am proud to be a part of a community that NEVER makes me feel alone,” Zay’Lynn shares. “Instead, it gives me the strength to persevere through the challenges that come my way!”
Get to Know Zay’Lynn in Her Mom’s Words
“Zay’Lynn is an eleven-year-old who lives with EB Simplex Dowling Meara. Her first two years of life were difficult, due to the challenges that come with having EB.
As she got older her skin got stronger, but she would still have setbacks at times the more active she became. When Zay’Lynn decided to join gymnastics, we really saw the challenges she faced compared to her teammates due to her EB.
Zay’Lynn asked me,“Mom, why am I like this? Why did I have to be born like this?” That pushed me, as her mom, to get more involved with the EB Community so she didn’t feel she was alone in her fight with EB. It started with the Gala in Atlanta at the Georgia Aquarium in 2022, and then the debra Care Conference (DCC) in Atlanta in 2024.
We have been invested as a family in the community ever since!”
debra of America looks forward to celebrating Zay’Lynn and her amazing spirit at the debra of America Benefit on October 26th!
