GOOD NEWS

Utah teen hits the movies with friends in heartwarming TikTok, moving millions

Sep 23, 2024, 12:53 PM | Updated: 12:57 pm

SALT LAKE CITY  — Kimberly Dowdell’s 13-year-old son, Jack, made a positive impression in a big way this year. Jack has Down syndrome, and through it, he’s reminding millions of what true friendship looks like.

Dowdell shared a video on TikTok — a sweet moment of Jack waiting for friends to pick him up for the movies.

@kimberly.dowdell Yesterday, Jack’s friends from school called and asked if they could take him to a movie. Of course, I said YES! Jack anxiously anticipated their arrival and was so excited to see them. I love how much they embrace him and treat him like one of their own. It completely made his day! Make the invitation, put forth the effort – you will never regret the outcome and the good it will do for someone like Jack. #downsyndrome #inclusionmatters #downsyndromerocks #momsoftiktok #momlife ♬ What A Wonderful World [Live] – Sarah Kroger

These kids are Jack’s peer tutors at South Jordan Middle School. They asked his mom for permission to take Jack to the movies.

“Probably like every hour he was asking ‘When (is) the movies, mom? When (is) the movies? When am I going to the movies?'” Dowdell said.

She said she’s grateful his friends see him as an individual and look beyond his disabilities. So far, the video has over a million likes.

“I had no idea that when I shared this video it would touch so many hears as it did,” she said. “There’s so many people who, gosh I’m going to get emotional, they’re so many people who want this for their children.”

Dowdell said she hopes Jack’s experience gives other families hope that everything will be ok and ultimately, their kids have so much potential.


Contributing: Mary Culbertson, KSL TV

KSL 5 TV Live

Good News

Unified Fire Authority brings a student to school after he won an art contest....

Tamara Vaifanua

Looking Out for the Good: Unified Fire adopts a school

A community outreach program started by Unified Fire Authority made a student's wish come true.

2 days ago

Dogs pull a sled through snow in the Idaho Sled Dog Challenge....

Tamara Vaifanua

Looking Out for the Good: Utah siblings place in sled dog races

Congratulations to a trio of Coalville siblings who dominated the Idaho Sled Dog Challenge!

3 days ago

FILE — Casey Dawson competes in the Men's 5000 meter event during the U.S. Speed Skating Long Tr...

Tamara Vaifanua

Looking Out for the Good: Utah Olympic speed skater breaks US records weeks apart

A Utah Olympic speed skater set multiple national records at an event. The next weekend, he did it again.

4 days ago

Students at Utah Tech University are hosting the eighth annual Personal Finance Day. (Utah Tech Uni...

Tamara Vaifanua

Looking Out for the Good: Utah Tech University to host free personal finance day to help community

Students at Utah Tech University are hosting the eighth annual Personal Finance Day.

6 days ago

Salt Lake Community College...

Tamara Vaifanua

Looking Out for the Good: SLCC to hold week-long blood drive

Salt Lake Community College is launching a week-long blood drive across several campuses.

9 days ago

Whitlee Holt from southern Utah was named as the "Kindest Kid in America" on Jan. 28, 2025....

Tamara Vaifanua

Looking Out for the Good: Utah 6th grader named ‘Kindest Kid in America’

A sixth-grade student from southern Utah, Whitlee Holt, was named the "Kindest Kid in America" during a school assembly Monday.

12 days ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Utah teen hits the movies with friends in heartwarming TikTok, moving millions