Trang, despite her petite size of less than 70cm and a weight of only 20kg, possesses ambitious dreams that far surpass her physical stature.

Trang was born with a medical condition known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), commonly referred to as brittle bone disease. This disorder causes her bones to be extremely fragile and prone to fractures.

Brittle bone disease varies in severity, ranging from mild to severe.

Many instances are not severe, resulting in only a few bone fractures.

According to Healthline, severe forms of the disease can lead to various complications such as hearing loss, heart failure, spinal cord problems, and permanent deformities.

Despite experiencing illness, Trang remained resilient and persevered.

Despite dealing with her disorder, the girl remains determined to achieve her goals of maintaining financial independence and providing support to those in need, without allowing any barriers to hinder her progress.

The young entrepreneur, who is 21 years old and currently living in Hoi An Commune, Cho Moi District, has launched a Facebook Page called “Vuon Nha Moc” (Wooden Garden). Through this platform, she sells her beautifully crafted handmade paper blossoms.

Trang’s products have gained popularity among customers nationwide, praised for their exceptional craftsmanship and the positive energy and message they embody.

Enduring the Unendurable

Trang is easily identifiable by her bright smile, which she consistently wears despite her limited mobility and myopia.

The young woman revealed that she was born weighing only around two kilograms and has been plagued by brittle bone disease ever since. This condition is characterized by frequent bone fractures, some occurring as little as a few months apart.

Nguyen Thuy Trang is seen during one volunteering trip in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta in this photo supplied by the girl.

Trang explained that while she couldn’t accurately determine the number of fractures she has encountered, the torment it has caused remains vivid in her memory.

Trang noted that sometimes a fracture can be triggered by a gentle cough or sneeze.

As I grew up, I experienced occasional bouts of low spirits,” she confessed. She further explained that she often felt depressed due to the stark dissimilarity she felt compared to those around her, particularly witnessing her peers’ joyous experiences of attending school and freely engaging in activities.

“Despite her inability to attend traditional school, the determined young girl strongly advocated for alternative forms of education to be provided to her.”

Trang enthusiastically shared, “In the face of being deprived of a higher education, I have managed to carve my own path and cultivate my intellect by immersing myself in a collection of books. These volumes, filled with literature and historical accounts, have enabled me to become a resourceful individual.”

Trang, though delicate in appearance, possesses an independent spirit and is capable of self-care, skillfully carrying out routine tasks without requiring assistance.

As an adult, she acquired the skills to protect her delicate bones, create intricate paper-cut artworks, and craft eye-catching photography concepts through self-study.

Trang receives support and companionship on her journey through life.

An essential figure in her journey is 67-year-old Nguyen Thi Xuan, affectionately referred to as Aunt Hai.

“Aunt Hai has been a constant presence in Trang’s life since her birth, providing much-needed support during the girl’s formative years after her challenging delivery. Trang’s own mother placed complete trust in Aunt Hai to care for her newborn.”

“I regard her as a maternal figure, akin to a second mother. Her wisdom and guidance play a crucial role in shaping my significant life choices,” Trang expressed.

Tiny but powerful

Trang’s unique talents in creating handmade paper flowers and other decorative items not only provide her with a means of income, but also serve as a vehicle for expressing her creativity and fostering a greater sense of self-value.

The artist’s creative journey was sparked by a deep admiration for the beauty of plants and a lifelong aspiration to cultivate a thriving garden.

Three years ago, she conceptualized the idea of constructing a garden of paper blossoms as a means to fulfill her passion for gardening, despite her limited physical mobility.

The young woman acquired her crafting skills through self-teaching via YouTube tutorials and social media, while also sourcing necessary materials and tools through online purchases.

Trang dedicated a considerable amount of time honing her skill in creating intricate paper flowers.

Despite her weak hands, she persevered, continually attempting and occasionally faltering.

Trang recounted, “It was a challenging task as my hands grew numb from continuously holding the scissors for an extended period.”

I experienced frustration after an entire day of hard work resulted in the production of subpar items.

Trang showed unwavering determination as she dedicated herself to honing her abilities in various facets, such as paper cutting, shaping, gluing, and coloring.

After persistent effort, she has achieved remarkable skill in her craft, becoming proficient enough to create a basic pot in just a matter of days.

She presented her carefully curated collection of items on her personal page with immense pride.

She received her initial order for a beautiful sunflower bouquet, which she offered at an affordable price of approximately one dollar.

Trang expressed her deep affection for sunflowers, emphasizing their ability to seek sunlight even in difficult circumstances. She believes that this represents the pursuit of positivity and all things good in life.

Trang’s handcrafted items have garnered positive reception from customers.

Pham Thi Van Nhi, a valued customer of Trang’s, hails from Tra Vinh, a province in the Mekong Delta. She expresses her admiration for the exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail evident in each piece she selects.

“Trang’s exceptional pieces exhibit a remarkably realistic portrayal of genuine flowers, presenting an exceptional challenge even for individuals without disabilities. I greatly admire her unwavering determination,” Nhi commented.

A brilliant-looking bouquet of sunflowers and daisies skillfully crafted by Nguyen Thuy Trang, residing in An Giang Province, southern Vietnam is seen in this photo supplied by the girl.

Trang’s meticulous craftsmanship has resulted in the successful delivery of numerous artisanal products to customers nationwide.

During your correspondent’s visit to Trang, she expressed regret that she was unable to showcase her complete collection of paper flowers. The majority of the items had been sold out on Vietnamese Teachers’ Day, which falls on November 20.

“I was overwhelmed with the number of orders I received. The demand was so high that I struggled to keep up with supplying the products,” she stated.

Although she experiences constant fatigue and numbness in her hands and legs after extended periods of work, the determined individual is completely satisfied with her decision.

A Message of Inspiration for the Physically Challenged Community

Dear Members of the Physically Challenged Community,

I am writing this message to inspire and spread positive energy to all of you. As someone who has faced physical challenges myself, I understand the unique struggles and obstacles that you may encounter in your daily lives. However, I want to remind you that your limitations do not define you. You are so much more than your physical disabilities.

Each of you possesses incredible strength and resilience. You have the power to overcome any adversity that comes your way. Embrace your uniqueness and allow it to be a source of inspiration for yourself and others. Remember that your journey is not a sprint but a marathon, and every step you take is a triumph.

Surround yourself with a supportive and loving community that uplifts you and believes in your potential. Share your experiences, challenges, and achievements with others. By doing so, you will inspire others to rise above their own challenges and to believe in their own inner strength.

Lastly, never forget that your worth is not defined by what you can or cannot do physically. You are valuable, deserving of love and respect, and capable of achieving greatness in all aspects of life.

Stay strong, persevere, and know that you are not alone. Together, we can create a world that is inclusive and supportive of everyone, regardless of their physical abilities.

With love and solidarity,

Trang

“As someone who has personally faced these challenges, it is important to me that my colleagues remain motivated. It is crucial that they do not develop feelings of inferiority or deem themselves as worthless. The key may simply be that they have yet to discover the right professional opportunity,” she advised.

Instead of wasting time questioning why things happen to us or daydreaming about unrealistic scenarios, it is more productive to channel our energy towards nurturing the skills and capabilities that we possess.

Golden-hearted girl

Despite the various challenges she encounters, Trang has remained dedicated to charity and community work for the past 11 years.

As the leader of the philanthropic organization “Thau hieu de yeu thuong” (Empathize in Order to Love), she has dedicated over a decade of her time along with other members in organizing numerous charity trips to distribute essential items to those in need across An Giang Province and surrounding areas.

During a volunteering trip to Tra Vinh Province, Trang unfortunately suffered a fall resulting in broken bones. However, her dedication to doing good was unwavering, as she persevered and continued her efforts.

“I personally curate the list of gift recipients and select the presents myself. I deeply empathize with their experiences and consider myself fortunate in comparison.”

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