ABOUT ME

Jonah Gold

My name is Jonah Gold. I am 25 years old. I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio where I was diagnosed at two months old with a rare genetic disorder called Aicardi-Guitierez Syndrome. It left me unable to walk.

Look where I am now. I graduated from the Turning Point Program at Bergen Community College, and I'm moving onto bigger and better things.

Having a disability hasn't been easy. However, I'm making progress in my journey to become a motivational speaker. I like telling people it’s OK to have a disability—it’s not such a bad thing.

You just have to believe in yourself. It took a long time for me to do that. Every day I want to do things that are not going to be possible like driving, but I don’t focus on the negatives —I concentrate on the positives, what I can do well.

My name is Jonah Gold. I love my family, I love my friends, I love music, especially playing the drums. And this is the beginning of my journey to become a motivational speaker.

Click here to see my services.

My JOB experiences

CTC Academy

As Ambassador, I frequently give tours, raise money, speak at events and co-host their annual gala.

Bergen County Special Services

Perform all clerical work including copying, shredding, emailing and more.

Marriott Residence Inn, Saddle River, New Jersey

Helped with setting and cleaning tables, greeted guests as they arrived, and light housekeeping.

Elmwood Park Senior Center

Talked to the residents and helped brighten their day. Also, set up for lunch service and any other tasks they needed.

Goodwill, NJ

Greeted people, put stuff on the shelves and helped keep the facility clean and neat.

me and Jon Bon Jovi

8 years ago I wrote a letter to Jon Bon Jovi, I was a big fan. Not just because of his music but because of all the good things he does for other people.

JBJ liked my letter so much that he decided he wanted to surprise me with a visit. My parents made up some story about making a commercial for a media company. We waited a long time in a conference room, it was weird and awkward.

And then… he walked in.

He walked right over to me, put his hand out and said, “Hi Jonah, I’m Jon”.

I almost fell out of my chair, is this really happening I wondered.

We sat and talked for about an hour. I asked him a million questions about his music, his family and his charity work. JBJ was relaxed and friendly, like we were just two normal guys chatting. And at the end of our visit he asked to keep in touch.

He has been so great to me over the years. From emails, to boxes of swag for my birthday, to recording introductions for my speaking engagements. One time when he invited me to a charity concert, I decided to thank him by raising money for the charity and I raised $8,000.

In June during a zoom call with him, I very spontaneously asked if he would come visit The CTC Academy and he said yes! He said “I’m really busy this summer and fall, but let’s touch base in October”. Then on October 1st, JBJ emailed us to ask about the visit. That’s right, he probable put a reminder in he calendar about ME! So last Friday he drove out to see the school, with one condition, that I give the tour myself!

He was incredible! We went into every single classroom. He met every kid in the school, and took pictures with everyone. It was such a special day.

I never imagined that our meeting in 2014 would lead to an 8 year friendship.

Thank you JBJ for being such a great guy.