Life Experiences By Carol Johnson

March 30, 1970 - That was the day I graced the world with my presence.  Little did I know how tumultuous my life would turn out to be.  I was born and raised in San Francisco.  My father and mother were both immigrants from China and Hong Kong, respectively.  They eventually had five children, but, at that time, there were only my two sisters and me.  My younger sister and brother were born four and five years after me.  While my mom was pregnant with me, she had rubella (German measles).  So I was born completely blind in both eyes.  Thank God for his first miracle in my life.  The doctors operated and were able to give me sight in my left eye.  I later learned that some babies born to mothers with rubella died and those who survived had disabilities that were much more severe than mine are. 

By May Olusola

On August 3rd, 1966, Lisa Duke-Kilmer was born to James and Oleta Duke in Clifton, Texas. The youngest of three children, Lisa was a beautiful baby whose left hand was deformed as a result of polio. Her parents showered her with love to the best of their ability- her mother walked her to and from school every day. Her brother loved her very much and protected her when he was around. According to Lisa, he was always emotionally and physically available for her like her parents were. Her sister was never close to her and they have remained distanced for many years.
In elementary school, Lisa kept to herself because children always made fun of her. She became a loner as a result of all the taunts she received from classmates and other children.