Variety Teen Jian Jian’s Drive for Independence
Eighteen-year-old Jian Jian is a testament to the power of Variety when paired with unwavering determination. For 90 years, Variety has removed barriers that prevent kids and teens from pursuing their passions and shaping their futures. With Variety’s help, Jian Jian is now armed with the tools to be an athlete and a licensed driver.
Born with spina bifida, which affects lower body function, Jian Jian lives with a paralyzed foot and limited feeling in the other.
From an early age, Jian Jian refused to rely on a wheelchair but required support to walk independently. Variety provided multiple ankle foot orthotics to improve his mobility, allowing him to play sports with friends.
“He had a lot of surgeries, and we had to remake his braces several times. We knew we needed help, and Variety was always there. It was life-changing for him,” shares his mom, Lisa.
Despite the challenges of paralysis and ten total surgeries, Jian Jian has always been determined to be independent, rejecting the idea that his physical limitations define his ability.
Navigating his teenage years, Jian Jian knew driving would be a challenge he wasn’t sure he would ever overcome. But once again, Variety helped reimagine what’s possible.
“Recently, Variety paid for driving lessons with hand controls, then paid for his car to be adapted! He’s totally independent! He works, drives himself to school, and that’s in big part because Variety was able to help us,” notes Lisa.
Jian Jian was not only determined to achieve self-reliance in daily life, but also in the sports arena, his true passion. For years, Jian Jian played traditional sports like basketball, tennis, swimming, and archery.
“I am a very athletic person. I could always throw, catch, hit, but because of the lower half of my body I just couldn’t run as fast as everyone,” explains Jian Jian.
His physical therapist recommended trying wheelchair sports, and at first, Jian Jian was hesitant, not wanting to leave “normal” sports behind.
Despite initial reluctance, Jian Jian discovered a sense of belonging and accomplishment on the basketball court through the Disabled Athlete Sports Association (DASA).
He quickly made a name for himself on the court, but more importantly felt accepted by a vibrant community of peers.
“In the end, I tried wheelchair basketball just to see how it felt. It felt so different because I could shoot really well, but I could also keep up with everyone. I felt like I fit in and belonged there.”
“Just because I couldn’t run didn’t mean I couldn’t be fast.”
Variety provided Jian Jian with a custom-fit sports wheelchair, enabling him to elevate his newfound commitment to wheelchair sports.
“Variety has really impacted me by giving me the tools to do the things I always loved to do,” reflects Jian Jian.
With Variety’s assistance and a drive to achieve independence, Jian Jian continues to defy expectations and inspire others to embrace life’s challenges with courage and optimism.
You can redefine what’s possible for teens like Jian Jian by joining Variety for 90 more years of impact.