On March 24, 2006, the sixth and the youngest child of Mr. Florante & Fe Viado was born named Jaslyn Kye E. Viado. Unfortunately, Jaslyn was born with deformity on her lower extremity. Due to her condition, the child had difficulty walking on her own. From one year old to two years old, the child needed a walker to be able to walk. When she is about to turn three, Jaslyn stopped using the walker,  as she hopped all the way to be able to reach the place she wanted to go to.

As Jaslyn grows, her father had to leave them to work for a living in Manila. Her mother solely attended Jaslyn and her other siblings’ needs. It was really challenging for the whole family, especially for Jaslyn and her mother  as they face the everyday insult and criticism from other people. But the family coped up with Jaslyn’s situation and treated it positively. The whole family fed Jaslyn of unconditional love, understanding and acceptance. With this, Jaslyn grew with confidence and determination.

When she reached grade 4, she expressed that she wanted to be independent and doesn’t want to be a burden anymore to her family. She goes to school hopping all by herself, no insecurity but determined. This is the attitude Jaslyn manifested despite of bullying she receives from other children. 

According to Mrs. Fe Viado when Jaslyn is in grade 1, she asked her mother why she looks different from other children. It was really a difficult feeling for Jaslyn’s mother to deal with her child’s question. She hid her tears but answered Jaslyn looking at her eyes telling that she is a special gift from God, and that she is loved by her family despite her condition. 

The mother, continued to encourage Jaslyn to keep going and to fight for her dreams. As a result, Jaslyn excelled in academics, she is a consistent awardee and an honor student. She graduated Elementary as Class Valedictorian and deliver her valedictory address leaving the people with the quote of ‘’A dream doesn’t become a reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work’’. She wanted them to understand not to see her disabilities but rather to look to her abilities, on what she can do for herself, for her dreams and for her future.

Currently, Jaslyn is a grade 8 student at Pamibian Integrated School. She is continuously excelling in academics and actively participating in extracurricular activities inside and outside school. She expressed that she wanted to be a Dentist, to help children with oral problem and to provide free dental services to people who cannot afford to see one. 

At home, her family supports her in every endeavour that she wanted to engage into for her development. They love Jaslyn and treat her as any other normal children. The love and understanding they have is the source of strength of Jaslyn as she shared. She will continue to work hard despite all the odds to make all her dreams a reality. 

Story by: Liwliwa A. Arco

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