South Florida Survivor Out To Prove Everyone Has A Purpose

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Devin Alvarez has had almost four dozen surgeries and he's not even 20 years old.

His mom was told he wouldn't make it, but he proved the doctors wrong. Now, he's out to prove everyone has a purpose.

"These are the learning years of my life," Devin said. "This time period is all about self-improvement."

Devin sounds wise beyond his years - years that were not promised when he was a baby.

"They pronounced me terminal when I was three. They told my mom, 'Go home. Enjoy him. He's not going to make it that long. His organs in his body are being crushed by his bones'."

Devin was diagnosed with Sprengel's Deformity, a rare congenital skeletal abnormality where a person has one shoulder blade that sits higher on the back than the other. In his case, it caused a spinal curvature that required two titanium rods to be placed in his chest.

Before reaching adulthood, Devin had already undergone 44 surgeries, including some very risky procedures.

"It wasn't FDA approved, it was experimental, but it saved my life," he said. "My story helped it get approved. My story and many others."

Devin credits his mom, Rixys Alfonso, with his persistent attitude. Together, they're out to change the world, one cause at a time.

"We started CauseMovers," he said. "It's a movement that helps people with causes reach out to the community and spread awareness."

For more on his organization, visit CauseMovers.com.

When he's not at school, Devin is usually working at a Cooper City Walgreens, a corporate pioneer in the practice of employing people with disabilities.

"I think it's a wonderful experience to work for a company that teaches you so much," he said while roaming the aisles of the store.

Sometimes the student becomes the teacher and Devin is a walking, talking lesson on survival.

"Why I survived? I was meant to be. I have a purpose. My purpose is to help others and save lives," he said. "I see the importance in life. I know what's important in life and I tell people. Whatever brings you happiness and hope. Chase that, chase what makes you happy."

Devin is studying psychology so he can one day help people cope with whatever circumstances they may face in their lives.

Earlier this summer, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of Commissioners proclaimed June 2nd as Devin Alvarez Day in honor of his courage and advocacy.