Doing What I am Suppose to with the Help of Hnub Tshiab's Hmong Women's Leadership Institute (HWLI)

 

Before joining HWAT I was a stay at home mom for 6 years. I stayed home because my husband and I had our first child.  Our child had special health care needs and disability with the diagnosis of Trisomy 13. This led me down a path of many self struggles and eventually leading me off the track of whom and how I really was. I lost all confidence in myself.

In 2010, my husband I had our fourth child.  He was diagnosed with Anencephaly, another genetic disorder.  There was nothing in the world we could have done to prevent it as it occurs randomly and can happen to anyone. Having been shunned by everyone for many years for having special needs children I had no confidence in myself nor believed this cause would lead me anywhere.  After his birth and passing I knew I had to do something about special needs and disabilities in the Hmong community.  

Honestly, I was hesitant to join HWAT because I felt as though I was not good enough to sit next to prestigious Hmong women. I then learned that we are all ordinary Hmong women fighting our own battles whiles being prestigious in our own ways. With the help of HWAT I gained the strength I needed to believe in myself. I gain the support of my Hmong women peers which gave me the boost I desperately needed. I was able to identify my identity within my Hmong community as well as my main stream community. 

All in all, I would not be here crusading my cause and awareness of special needs and disability in my community without HAWT. Although, it is just me fighting this cause at the moment, it feels as though I am not alone because I have the support of many Hmong women standing behind me, supporting and believing in me.

Thank you for letting me share my story. Please help spread this cause to families and friends that may need it. I have been working hard. I was able to get Senator Hoffman to believe in this cause.  Special Thanks Hnub Tshiab for giving me that kick in the butt to do what I am doing now.

PaNyia Yang Vang.