july2009 128

This is my 6 year old daughter who just started taking viola lessons this summer. She is missing her left hand just above the wrist and is using a temporary prosthetic made by Shriner's Hospital. We are having a new one made by another company that has a ball joint so that she can adjust the angle of her bow more effectively.

Because she is missing her left hand, we had a reversed viola made for her. The strings and bridge are reversed as is the sound board inside the instrument.

We were told by several teachers and violin makers that it would be impossible for her to play. But, she wanted it so badly we persisted! You tell me now that she can not play!

I want everyone to know that special needs children are amazing! They truly can do anything they set their minds to! If you are considering adopting, please do not over look the children with missing or malformed limbs!

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• special needs
• China
• China adoption

[professorV]

Very lovely, she's doing great!! Please keep us up to date with her progress.

[jovelviolin]

hi, your daughter is talented, it is rarely to have a child that is interested to learn violin or viola. she is great. i am also violin student and i only have a palm on my right hand but still i learn to play violin with my own design artificial hand adapter. can you post now a recent video of your daughter playing viola? im from philippines by the way.

[892lgy7382]

No offense to the teachers and violin makers who said she couldn't play...they're stupid. This little girl is very talented!

[jkmom52]

My son just started playing violin with a prosthetic, He's 7, RBE.  This will be an inspiration to him.

[Lupe0824]

The teachers and violin makers are no one to tell her what she can or cannot do. If thats what she wants to do, let her. She knows what shes capable of doing.

[Lupe0824]

She's good!!! Keep us posted on her progress.

"KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK SWEETIE!"

[sydneyhope]

I hope your daughter keeps up the good work. Very encouraging video. Thanks.