In celebration of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week, the Philippine Embassy in Berne pays tribute to overseas Filipinos with disabilities for their positive contributions to their host countries, and/or for serving as inspiration to other people with disabilities to rise above their physical limitations and be the best persons that they can be.
One example is second generation Filipino Louis Daniel Ortega or Louie to his friends and family. Now in his early 20s, Louie has been suffering, probably since birth, from Spastic Diplegia (commonly known as Little Disease), a chronic neuromuscular condition of spasticity in the muscles of the lower extremities of the body. His condition was diagnosed only when he was four years old.
Despite his physical handicap, Louie lives the life of a normal person his age, doing his share of responsibilities at home such as cooking, doing laundry and ironing, and grocery. He also makes his contributions to the community in Fribourg, where he and his family now reside, by regularly serving as altar boy during the monthly Filipino mass in their community. Louie is also an active member of the Youth for Christ.
Apart from his filial duties and civic activities, Louie is actively into sports. He plays basketball with the local Fribourg Team and since 2009, has been an active member of the Club en Feuteille Roulant de Fribourg, a sports club for persons with physical handicap. He also plays the guitar and enjoys jamming with his peers. And perhaps because of his father’s influence, Louie has now taken an interest in photography.
Louie’s physical handicap does not prevent him from living the life of a normal young person. In his own little ways, he contributes towards inspiring other young people with conditions similar to his, to live normal lives and be the best persons that they can be.
Louie’s zest for life speaks of his optimism and his faith. He dreams that one day, he will no longer roll his wheelchair, but will be able to walk like a normal person. END
