Editor's note: In the Human Factor, we profile survivors who have overcome the odds. Confronting a life obstacle - injury, illness or other hardship - they tapped their inner strength and found resilience they didn't know they possessed. This week we introduce you to 27-year-old Tim Harris, who says he's living the life of his dreams.

I was born in January of 1986. A few hours after I was born, our doctor told my parents that I had Down syndrome.

A lot of people told my parents that they were very, very sorry. I guess they didn't know then just how totally awesome I would turn out to be.

Growing up with three brothers was a lot of fun. They treated me like a brother - not like someone special or different. They never let me use my disability to get out of doing the dishes when it was my turn. I did try sometimes, though.

I started in Special Olympics when I was 13 years old. My Special Olympic sports are basketball, poly hockey, volleyball, golf and track and field. I have dozens of gold medals - way more than another Olympian, Michael Phelps Many of them are on display in my restaurant.

Read - Breakfast, lunch and hugs at Tim's Place

Previously:
Today's special: a cafe on a mission of empowerment
Autism, dining out and a side of kindness
The waitress, the autistic girl and the broken hamburger
Serving time at an inmate-staffed restaurant inside a prison
Dark restaurant provides ray of hope for visually impaired