Source: The Star, 18-08-2015

‘Do not take your life for granted’

Disabled teen hopes to inspire others with book

PETALING JAYA: Nineteen-year-old Kenny Lee Man Jun has published his first book titled Life Lessons, which tells the story of the challenges he faced as a disabled person.

Lee was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at the age of nine and was wheelchair-bound by the age of 12 because the condition causes muscles to be weakened.

He said he was inspired to write the book by motivational speaker Nick Vujicic, who was born with no arms and legs.

“I want to be a motivational speaker like him and empower people with positivity.

“I want people to know that everyone has something he or she can learn from life,” he said.

Lee said he was inspired by the way Vujicic lived his life to the fullest even with his disability.

“Sometimes, people take their lives for granted,” he said, adding that he used to be one of them when he was younger.

“I was depressed as I couldn’t do anything on my own. I had suicidal thoughts but never went through with it, thanks to the support of volunteers,” he added.

He said he had come to accept himself as he was and that depression was one of the issues that he had addressed in his book.

“One of the main messages I hope to get across to readers is that no one should take their life for granted.

“Live the best of your life,” said Lee, who is studying mass communication at Segi University in Kota Damansara under a scholarship from the university.

He said it was mentally exhausting to write the book. As he was not adept at writing, he had difficulties putting his thoughts to words.

He thanked his editor, Dr Jacquelyn PY Soo, and volunteers for helping him achieve his dream of publishing the book.

The book also helps to raise funds for Lee’s care and can be purchased by sending an e-mail to kennyleeilf@gmail.com.