Joaquín Romero Salord, co-founder of BJ Adaptations, died at the age of 50 on July 6, 2018.
A technical architect and a member of Opus Dei, Joaquin was diagnosed at the age of 22 with multiple sclerosis. However, instead of falling into despair, Joaquin embraced his suffering and sought to help others.
Together with his brothers, Borja and Carlos, Joaquin started designing products that assisted him to live in the most autonomous way possible during his illness. This led to the establishment of BJ Adaptations in 2002, an organization from Spain that designs and develops support technology for people with disabilities in 25 countries.
BORJA ROMERO
Joaquin Romero's brother
“We treat people with Cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, dementia, physical disabilities, with different needs...”
Among many other things, Joaquin was very active within his local community in Barcelona. Many friends would come to visit him and he was an example for the youth.
PEP CARRIÓ GRAU
Joaquin Romero's friend
“A lot of people came to see him, a lot of young people...” “I remember a father who said that his son left moved by Joaquin's example. He said, 'My son came out of the car the other day, I was complaining about a cold and he said, 'Look, dad, I've been to see a really sick person, please don't complain anymore.''”
His family and friends helped Joaquin write a book, “The Unexpected Guest,” where he describes his experiences of having multiple sclerosis and how his faith gave him the strength as well as joy to embrace his cross in life. Apart from being in Spanish, his book is also available in English and in Chinese, after he listened to Pope Francis talk about China.
PEP CARRIÓ GRAU
Joaquin Romero's friend
“Joaquin wanted his book to be published in Chinese because the Church in China is suffering persecution.”
Even after his death, Joaquin Romero continues to be an inspiration for many not only in Barcelona, but across the world, of using one's suffering to help others.
