10 individuals who overcame disability and earned the admiration of the world.
(Baonghean.vn) - In life, some people are born less fortunate than others, lacking certain body parts or unable to live like normal people. But overcoming these circumstances, some have achieved extraordinary things through their own willpower and love for life, and they have attained achievements that command the admiration of all humanity… Below are 10 exemplary examples of steely determination that overcome fate.
1 - Professor of Physics Stephen Hawking
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| Stephen Hawking at his computer. |
Hawking was born on January 8, 1942, in Oxford, England. He was considered the world's leading theoretical physicist for decades, with his famous research on black holes in the universe. At the age of 21, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which left him almost completely paralyzed.
Despite enduring the physical pain caused by his illness, Hawking still managed to complete his doctoral dissertation in cosmology, which he had pursued. The name Stephen Hawking became synonymous with "black holes." All of his work is considered "the key to unlocking the universe."
His famous quote: "It's a waste of time to be angry about your own shortcomings. People won't have time for you if you're always angry or complaining."
1 - Nick Vujicic
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| Nick is interacting with the Vietnamese audience. |
Nick Vujicic, born in 1982 in Australia, suffers from congenital ethaamelia syndrome, a very rare disorder. Nick has no arms, and his legs are very small and virtually useless for movement. Despite these life challenges, he persevered and graduated from university at age 21 with a double degree in accounting and financial planning.
He later became a renowned speaker, delivering 1,600 speeches in dozens of countries, inspiring millions to live and strive for success. In 2005, Nick Vujicic was nominated for Australia's "Youth of the Year" award. And after much effort, Nick Vujicic found true happiness when he married his beautiful wife, Kanae Miyahara.
3 - Athlete Terry Fox
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| In 1980, with a prosthetic leg, Terry Fox undertook a cross-Canada run to raise money and draw attention to cancer research. |
Terry Fox was a Canadian humanitarian and athlete. After being diagnosed with bone cancer, he had one leg amputated. In 1980, with a prosthetic leg, Terry Fox undertook a cross-Canada run to raise money and draw attention to cancer research and treatments.
Although metastatic cancer forced Fox to end his 143-day, 5,373-kilometer journey, and soon after claimed his life, Terry Fox's efforts left a lasting international legacy: the Terry Fox Run. This annual race is held in over 60 countries, attracting millions of participants. "I just wish people would realize that anything is possible if you try. Dreams are made possible if people try," he said.
4 - Composer Beethoven
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| Composer Ludwig van Beethoven. |
Ludwig van Beethoven, born December 17, 1770 and died March 26, 1827, was a German classical composer who spent most of his life in Vienna, Austria. He suffered from hearing impairment as a child and later became completely deaf. Despite this, he became a great and world-renowned composer. He is a significant musical figure during the transitional period from Classical to Romantic music. Beethoven is considered one of the greatest composers and has influenced countless composers, musicians, and audiences since.
5 - Jessica Cox
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| At 32, Jessica Cox has accomplished more than countless other people with normal limbs. |
Jessica Cox, 33, currently living in Tucson, Arizona, USA, has become an inspiring example of overcoming adversity. Born into an upper-class family in America, she was unfortunately born without arms because her mother contracted a viral infection during pregnancy. Her parents were heartbroken to see their disabled daughter.
From birth, Jessica Cox showed herself to be a strong girl. Despite not having arms, she always strived to control everything with her feet. As she grew older, Jessica Cox seemed to no longer need her hands, as everything became easy for her. But the truth is, to achieve that ease, she had to go through immense effort and rigorous training, filled with sweat and tears.
6 - Patrick Henry Hughes
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| Patrick Henry Hughes |
Patrick Henry Hughes was born on March 10, 1988, in Louisville, Kentucky (USA). From birth, Hughes was blind and his limbs could not straighten, preventing him from walking like a normal person.
Hughes was introduced to the piano by his father at the age of 9 months, followed by the trumpet. The media became aware of this disabled boy in 2006 when he was a student at the University of Louisville. That day, he played the trumpet while sitting in a wheelchair pushed by his father. His talent became widely known from that day on, and he was invited to perform in many places across the country.
7 - Helen Keller
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| Author Helen Keller |
Helen Keller (June 27, 1880 – June 1, 1968) was a blind and deaf American writer and social activist. She was the first blind and deaf person in the world to graduate from a college.
Despite living in a world without light or sound, Keller remained a woman full of optimism and a deep love for life. During World War I and II, she visited over 70 hospitals to comfort and encourage patients. She dedicated her entire life to the American Association for the Blind.
8 - Sylvester Stallone
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| Actor Sylvester Stallone has starred in many popular American films. |
Do you think that to be a great actor, you need to have ideal looks? Have you ever heard the story of Sylvester Stallone? Due to a birth defect, the left side of his face is paralyzed, his mouth is slightly crooked, and his tongue is partially paralyzed (this is why he stutters). Yet, these misfortunes couldn't stop him from becoming one of the most famous actors.
9 - Sudha Chandran
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| Artist Sudha Chandran. |
Sudha Chandran is an extremely successful Indian artist. She began performing dance at the tender age of three. During a performance, Sudha was unfortunately involved in a traffic accident and lost her right foot. It took her three years to get used to walking normally with a prosthetic foot, but Sudha's dream of becoming a dancer remained, burning brighter than ever.
Thanks to her relentless training, Sudha became an extremely successful dancer and appeared in many Bollywood films. Sudha's life is truly a shining example for many people in India and around the world to follow.
10 - Ralph Braun
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| Ralph Braun is the CEO of Braun Corporation, a company that provides wheelchairs and mobility devices for people with disabilities. |
Ralph Braun was born in Indiana, USA, and is currently the CEO of Braun Corporation, a company that provides wheelchairs and mobility devices for people with disabilities. He was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at the age of six.
At the age of 20, Braun began researching and developing wheelchairs to assist people in similar circumstances to his own. His research and innovative products contributed significantly to the later success of his company. Braun was honored as a "champion of change" in 2012 by the U.S. government.
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