Alexandra Mae M.

De la Cruz
Grade V- Gold

Physically Defective that Shown Success

1. Stephen Hawking

A theoretical physicist, astrophysicist, cosmologist, and eminent

scientist, Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with ALS at age 21:
he was given 2 more years to live. He lived until he was 76-years-
old. He had been paralysed from head to toe for over thirty
years and used a voice synthesiser to be able to communicate, and
a wheelchair that he operated through slight movements of the
head and eyes.

None of this prevented him from developing his activity as

an exemplary researcher and professor, and intense personal
life that allowed him to make his illness known to the world.

Becoming one of the most recognisable celebrities of our time, his

story was taken to the cinema in the film "The Theory of Everything".

2. Nick Vujicic

Nick Vujicic is another world-famous celebrity with a disability,

and founder of Life Without Limbs - an organisation for
people with physical disabilities.

Vujicic was born in 1982 with no limbs. He claims that as a

child he suffered ridicule and discrimination, and tried to commit
suicide but, with time, he learned to see his own potential.

He is currently giving motivational talks around the world,

has written several books and is a regular on talk shows and TV
programs. He became very famous when starring in the touching short film "The Butterfly
Circus".

3. Aaron Fotheringham
Fotheringham is also one of the most famous skaters in the
world. His speciality? Wheelchair skating.

During his childhood, Aaron underwent several failed hip

operations that forced him to use a wheelchair permanently. Even
so, he continued to practice a sport which he was passionate about
adapting to his disability. In 2005, Aaron Fotheringham landed a
great jump with a 180º turn, and in 2006 made the first somersault
in wheelchair history. Since then, his achievements and challenges
are an example for thousands of people.

4. Grace Padaca
Politician and Broadcaster

Despite allegations of graft and malversation before the

Ombudsman, you can't discount the fact that Grace Padaca
has shown fearlessness in the face of an established
political dynasty. She dared to challenge the Dy family's
three decades of control over Isabela and managed to get
elected as governor, and then managed to pay off 90% of
the debts incurred by the preceding administration aside
from helping corn and rice farmers increase their income.
She has been awarded the International Women of Courage
Award as well as a Ramon Magsaysay Award for Good
Governance. She is a survivor of polio and has used crutches for most of her life.
 5. Fernando Kabigting
Painter
After a stroke paralyzed his right hand and blinded his
left eye in 1999, Fernando had to learn how to paint with
his left hand. He also moved from his use of oils and
charcoal, to using watercolor. Despite his limited
mobility, his artistic career continued to flourish. Since
his stroke, he has had solo exhibitions at the United
Nations in New York City, the Ayala Museum in
Makati, and at the Italia Gallery in Bacolod. 

6. Roselle Ambubuyog
Mathematician and Motivational Speaker

Roselle was Ateneo de Manila University’s first visually impaired

student. Though she lost her sight as a child, she not only managed to
graduate from one of the top universities in the nation—she also won
every possible award that a graduating student could receive,
including the highest honor of class valedictorian. She continued to
excel, earning a Master’s degree from UP Diliman, and a slew of
other honors. Following her colorful academic life, she has spent her
professional career working for leading tech companies around the
world, contributing to the advancement of technologies for the blind.
She somehow manages to be a motivational speaker as well.

7. Arnold Balais
Power Lifter, Swimmer, and Mountain Climber
Arnold has been able to achieve what few others can. Not
only was he the first amputee to scale Mount Apo, the
highest mountain in the Philippines, but he is also a
decorated swimmer and body builder. Although he lost his
right leg as a teenager, he’s been competing in
international competitions including the Paralympics, ASEAN Para Games, and the Malaysian
Paralympiad. He has won multiple gold medals over the course of his career.