Disability—a common word used to describe a small minority of individuals who were born a little different than the rest of us.
They may not think, speak or behave like mainstream society. And they may not be able to do the things that we do every day without thinking.
Sadly, some people within society often tends to treat disabled people as second-class citizens. They are often denied education, employment and sometimes even basic human decency.
But times are changing. We are proven again and again that disabled individuals, even children, are gifted humans with pure souls and hearts of gold.
In honour of the spirit of giving, we would like to shine a spotlight on these four amazing children with Down syndrome (DS) who have bravely defied odds and pushed boundaries.
Works of Beauty, Works of Kindness
Philanthropy and art converge in this story about a young DS girl who is selling her paintings for charity.
Meet 9-year-old Maryam Khairul Anwar, a budding savant in the art world. Her talent with colour and brushstroke is truly mesmerising, just look at these masterpieces (that’s sweet Maryam over there in the blue dress and white hijab).
Maryam’s gifts were first discovered at the tender age of 6 after one of her occupational therapy sessions. They realised there was an artistic spark that could be nurtured.
Thereafter, with the encouragement of her mother and the guidance of her occupational therapist, Maryam’s creative spirit soared to new heights. She began experimenting with different techniques; finger painting, swabs, sponges, you name it.
Not wanting to exploit Maryam’s talent for their own gain, Maryam’s parents decided to sell her artworks to charity, which was how Maryam Saves a Heart was born, a foundation that helps babies and children with congenital heart defects.
Baked Goods for a Better World
When businesswoman Ashley Pang enrolled her son, Alexander, in an online bread-making class, she didn’t think much of it. It was really just to help fine-tune his motor skills (which many DS children struggle with) and perhaps improve his math.
But after raising so much money to help fund his school through the sale of his baked goods, Ashley knew her son was destined for greater things.
Since last year, young Alexander has raised over RM10,000 for charitable organisations, including his alma mater, Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation, Pit Stop Community Cafe and a Seremban-based non-profit school’s building fund.
He now has his own online shop called Alex’s Bakery.
Alex is currently working on raising funds through his ‘gratitude pack’, comprising of six Florentine cookies, a loaf of bread and two muffins costing a mere RM50. 100% of the proceeds will go to the Malaysian Association of Paediatric Palliative Care’s (MAPPAC) to fund the construction of Malaysia’s first children’s hospice.
If you would to help as well, here’s where you can make your donations.
Breaking Boundaries
Gifted youngster, Wan Aisha Aziz is just like any other teen. She listens to Avril Lavigne, loves watching rom-coms and has her entire life ahead of her.
She currently attends The International School of Kuala Lumpur, and is in the Life Centred Education (LCE) programme.
Also, she’s the only one in her school with Down’s syndrome.
But does this stop her from and achieving her goals? Absolutely not. Aisha enjoys horseback riding, learning musical instruments, picking up new languages and even plans on studying abroad once she graduates.
And most of all, she has an absolute heart of gold.
Even with her busy schedule, Aisha makes time to volunteer every Thursday at the Special Children Society of Ampang (SCSOA). There, she spends time with non-neurotypical students, including those with Down syndrome like herself.
An Unstoppable Force of Nature
Half-Danish, Malaysian-born Paralympian gold medallist, Siti Marina Frohlich is no stranger to breaking boundaries. While she has since hung up her medals and retired from the limelight, Marina does not stop living life to the fullest.
This former athlete enjoys a variety of hobbies, showing us that DS individuals can do everything us normies can, perhaps even better. Aside from her two passions, swimming and bowling, she also loves dancing, cooking, baking, and fitness.
And she does it all while having a full-time job at McDonald’s as a senior employee.
She also uses her platform and voice to advocate and destigmatise Down syndrome, helping pave a brighter future for those like her.
Marina has also been featured in a photoshoot by prominent fashion brand Maqilla Official for their Aidilfitri cover. Talk about a Jack (or rather, Jill) of all trades!
Marina may not be a child anymore, but with the love and support of her parents, she has risen to heights that not many people are able to reach.
She is yet another prime example that even with Down syndrome, the strength of the human spirit perseveres.
Anything But Helpless
For a majority of Down syndrome individuals, their conditions may make it difficult to perform even the simplest of motor functions. Some do need lifelong assistive care. But for the few who are healthy and strong enough, the world is their oyster.
We’ve seen plenty of them on the American silver screen, at scientific conventions and yes, even in politics.
But now it’s time for our Malaysian DS superstars to take centre stage and its starts with these brave souls blazing their own trail, one giant step at a time.
And we at Motherhood couldn’t be prouder of them.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!