“Thud. Thud. SMACK!”
“Thud. Thud. THWACK!”
The rhythmic sound of sharp jabs and quick crosses fills the air, as the pair of black boxing gloves repeatedly strike their target.
For the briefest of moments, silence fills the gym…
“Thud. Thud. SMACK!”
For Sang, a special needs adult and HIPster (Hugely Important Person) at My Possibilities, boxing is more than just a hobby or a form of exercise. It’s a love that’s grown over the years, and has helped transform Sang from a quiet teen with an unhealthy diet & lifestyle into an active young adult with improved communication skills and a newfound confidence both in and outside the ring. Sang’s stunning transformation, and his journey to My Possibilities, wasn’t simple though; he had some help along the way in the form of his big sister, legal guardian, and best friend, Reyna.
Reyna, who was the 11th child of a large, traditional Vietnamese family that had immigrated to California, had always been the youngest child in the household. That was until Sang, her younger brother was born.
Sang, the only child actually born in the States, was diagnosed at an early age with Down syndrome, a genetic disorder that his parents were unfamiliar with. As Sang grew older, Reyna began to understand that in order for Sang to continue to grow and develop, she would need to become his caretaker and guardian.
In May 2015 the state of California awarded Reyna full custody of Sang, and the duo, along with Reyna’s partner Arthur, moved east to Texas. The three settled down in the DFW area, and after discovering and touring the My Possibilities campus, Sang was enrolled.
“We took a tour, really liked it, and got him enrolled.” Reyna detailed. “That was a big, pivotal moment for him I think in regards to him interacting with not only people with Down syndrome, but the instructors – just holding him accountable.”
Since his enrollment at My Possibilities, Sang has made enormous strides in the way he communicates. He’s adopted a new, healthy lifestyle – one that includes both an improved diet and physical activities like running, boxing, and dancing.
“Communicating what he feels and what he thinks, he’s come a long way.” Reyna remarked on Sang’s progress. “Through My Possibilities he started losing weight by eating healthier and found his love for boxing. He lost close to 80 pounds, but he gained 100 pounds of attitude.”
Now, Sang even has a boxing nickname – Sugarsang; a fitting moniker that not only describes Sang himself, but the new, sweet beginning of life at My Possibilities.
For more information on our Health & Wellness Program click here.
Leave a Comment