Name of person with Disability: Jessica Cox

Nature of Disability: Phocomelia syndrome

Jessica was born risk taker. She knew she was different from other kids and that she had to do things
differently. While social confidence did not come easy to her, doubt never entered her mind when she was faced with something
new. She always believed she could do anything. Her mother always told her there are no limits to what she can do and what she
can be.

When Jessica was born, both of her parents were shocked to find out that their baby did not have arms. They had
no idea that she would be born differently because the pregnancy tests all showed average results. With the shock
and unexpected news, Jessica's mother Inez had a tough time accepting the truth and became quietly anxious about
Jessica's future. Jessica's parents decided to integrate her into a regular environment as much as possible. She was
enrolled in a public school, not a private or special needs school. Never thinking she was different, she did
whatever the other children would do. But on the playground during recess, Jessica felt limited as people around
here were overprotective and prevented her from climbing up the slide. In anger and frustration, Jessica sat on the
swings dreaming of flying. Jessica grew up using Prosthetic arms, which she had to practice with countless hours
of therapy after school. Although she could carry things with prosthetic limbs, she never connected with them and
preferred doing everything with her feet. After 11 years of wearing them, Jessica decided to stop using prosthetic
arms and embrace what makes her different. Jessica graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in
Psychology and Communication. From the challenges she has overcome, she became an inspiration to many.
Jessica realized her words and experience are a natural source of encouragement and optimism for many, which
gave rise to her motivational speaking business. Around the same time, she decided to pursue Flight lessons to
overcome her greatest fear: flying. After an arduous three years, Jessica became a certified pilot, earning the title
of the " First woman to fly an airplane with her feet ". Jessica's hobby of Taekwondo led her to meet her husband,
Patrick, a Taekwondo instructor. They married in 2012 and Jessica now wears a wedding anklet on her left ankle.
Since then, Patrick has become Jessica's pillar of support in her travels and adventures. Together, they continue to
train in Taekwondo.

Jessica continues to travel the globe motivating people to overcome their perceived limitations with her
inspirational speeches. With Jessica's experience speaking to audience in 23 countries, she codified her message
into Possible Thinking and the Achieve Model.

Submitted by: Jay Ann Musico

Submitted to: Ma'am Sally B. Adriatico-Nava