A YOUNG man blogging about meeting his idol? Nothing new, you may say.
How about his going out for a drink with friends? Every other guy does that ... Well, not quite, if you ask Tan Thong Kai, a 23-year-old whose body is barely bigger than a toddler’s and who moves around in a pram, with the help of family and friends.
Tan was born with with brittle bones, which limits normal growth and renders him vulnerable to falls and cuts. After years of keeping to the safe confines of home, he decided last year that he wanted to “aspire to inspire”.
Having a pork burger with the bff =P
That kicked off a series of outings, makan sessions and parties, all of which is recorded in his blog (botakai.com). Klang-born Tan says he just decided that he wants “a more fruitful life”, instead of spending unproductive hours in front of the computer, playing online games, watching anime and toying with action figurines.
Restricted mobility and being tied to a pram do not cram his desire to make a difference in his life and, hopefully, that of others. “I feel like I want to be outgoing for a change, to share my story and my life to inspire people,” he adds. He started with little steps, by going out with his buddies. Over the months, it has become a sort of routine to average about four outings each week, to events and parties – with lots of help, of course.
Drinking with best buddies Charlie and Mike. =)
“I’m very thankful that I have very supportive, open-minded parents and close friends who always looks out for me whenever we go out,” shares Tan, who enjoys socialising, making new friends and taking photos during outings. One of the highlights of his outings was to 1Utama in Petaling Jaya, to meet his idol Jay Chou during the singer’s album launch.
Tan, the oldest of five siblings, lives with his parents. He’s currently learning about trade investments, the stock markets and the foresign exchange, via the Internet. He is a familiar sight at various spots, “cruising” around in his dark blue pram, with the occasional push and lift by his pals. However, when they’re busy, he stays home. “Being disabled doesn’t make me ashamed of myself nor (does it) stop me from what I do… so don’t look at us in a negative light,” he writes in his blog.
More drinking... this time with his favourite chics... =P
Trying to lead a “normal” life is not always smooth sailing for Tan, who finds that some people underestimate his capabilities. Children and teenagers often stare at him, while adults whisper behind his back and nudge their friends to look at the “alien”. But he shrugs such remarks aside and does not let them dampen his day.
“They used to affect me but I’m much stronger now,” Tan says. “I’m also glad other disabled people out there have shown that we can have just as much fun as a ‘normal’ person.”