Imagine this: a little blind girl growing up between a foster home and an orphanage in 1990s-2000s China. Her biological parents were undocumented, and due to her disability, she had no access to viable education. Her adoption prospects diminished as she grew older. Fate seemed not to be on her side.
Fortunately, at the age of twelve, she was adopted by an American couple and moved to the United States. She knew this move would change her life forever. Little did she know she was entering a completely different world, beginning a journey to pursue dreams she had never imagined. The beginning was hard. She didn’t speak English and had limited proficiency in Chinese due to her lack of formal education. Additionally, she had to learn braille and adapt to a new environment in Arcata, California, with her parents and sister.
Her name is Hannah Chadwick. She embodies the saying, “Bad times create strong people. Strong people create good times.” — Tony Robbins. She quickly adapted to her new environment.
In my book (Build Resilience), I wrote about Hannah’s story, her upbringing, and her loving family, particularly her parents, who poured their hearts into raising her. Here’s an excerpt: “In 2004, Pat and Steve adopted another girl, Hannah, who was legally blind. She was twelve years old and living in the same orphanage as Rosa. Again, I was surprised, especially since I had two daughters of my own, four and two years old. I was working full-time and exhausted from taking care of them when I came home each day. I could not imagine the difficulties of raising two disabled children. If there was already a good deal of work involved with raising Rosa, whose one eye needed extra attention, I could hardly imagine the additional work required for bringing up Hannah arriving in a strange country at the age of twelve and completely blind. I had no words to describe my mixed feelings for my dear friend Pat.”
Then, I shifted focus to Hannah’s dreams and passions:
“After her adoption by Pat and Steve in 1994, Hannah graduated from UC Davis with a double major in International Relations and Chinese. She is working as the marketing operations associate at Disability:IN, while training for cycling to compete internationally. Hannah is a member of Team USA. At the August 2023 International Cycling Competition in Scotland, Hannah, along with her tandem cycling partner, won the bronze medal in the 1000m sprint. The previous year, at the 2022 Para-Cycling Track World Championship in France, she won sixth in the kilo and fifth in the 200m sprint. From an orphan from China to a US national champion, what an amazing journey she’s taken. Her biggest dream now is the Olympics in Paris in 2024 and in Los Angeles in 2028. She’s such an unstoppable young woman with a big dream in her heart.”
Is her dream of going to the Olympics coming true? Yes! “Hannah has been selected for Team USA to compete in Paralympic cycling in Paris!” I could not contain my excitement when I shared the news with family and friends. (Read the official announcement from the U.S. Paralympics Cycling Team, Tingley tandem team of Chadwick and Espinoza added to 2024 Paralympic Games roster.) My close friends all know who Hannah is. I’m fortunate to be the first published author to feature her remarkable story.
We were astonished by her fluency in English six months after her adoption, almost like a native speaker, despite not knowing the language when she first arrived. Beyond her sharp ears, it was her determination and efforts in studying English and understanding the culture that helped her adapt successfully. After high school, she was accepted into UC Davis, where she studied, lived on campus independently, and traveled to various places around the world, including China. Given her incredible strength and resilience, it’s no surprise to me that Hannah is now heading to the Olympics. She is one of the strongest people I have ever met.
What made her successful?
First, she had loving parents, Pat and Steve, who devoted themselves to raising her. She also had a little sister, Rosa, who was adopted from the same orphanage. This loving family is her foundation to soar higher and higher.
Second, she’s incredibly resilient. As I mentioned in my book, seven principles of building resilience. She lives a life embodying all seven principles. Alongside her dreams and goals that fueled her forward, she’s been confident and independent from the beginning. She knew how to cultivate and nurture herself. Moreover, she’s a grateful person. When I interviewed her, she expressed deep appreciation for the support and encouragement she received from friends, teammates, coaches, and others.
Third, she’s closely connected with her community. From the disability community to sports teams to Chinese friends, she receives and gives love generously. She works as a marketing associate at Disability:IN, helping people from diverse backgrounds.
Hannah, an adopted girl with a disability, reaching the Olympics is a historic achievement. Her story is a testament to resilience, optimism, and perseverance.
I will be cheering for you from afar, Hannah. You are my hero in “Unseen Triumph: A Journey to the Olympics.” You are already a champion in my eyes. You represent the strength and determination of Asian Americans, immigrants, and individuals with disabilities. Best wishes for your competition, Hannah!
