Shana holding the book ‘Zi Xing’, with Randy and Yap. — SHAARI CHEMAT/The Star
BEING born with Down Syndrome has not kept 20-year-old Shana Lim from pursuing her life with passion.
Not only does she sing, dance and model, Shana discovered her love for painting when she befriended local artist Philip Wong.
Her mother Yvonne Yap, 53, said Shana was 17 when she met Wong.
“This was when she discovered her hidden talent for painting,” said Yap.
Yap collaborated with an illustrator to create a picture book showing the challenges and memorable moments experienced by Shana.
The book with artistic illustrations is titled Zi Xing (purple star).
The book serves as an educational tool for schoolchildren by putting them in the shoes of special children so they can learn to be empathetic and understanding.
A picture book titled 'Zi Xing' by Shana.
Yap said the book was not just for children because it also gave parents an insight into caring for children with special needs.
“We want to show parents that everything is possible,” said Yap alongside her husband Randy Lim, 53, at the book launch at I’m Kopitiam in Serdang, Selangor.
Besides assisting the family to distribute the RM38 book, the cafe is also helping to promote Shana’s artwork.
Yap said challenges Shana faced growing up included socialising with other children her age as they could be really straightforward and blunt.
She also had difficulty with certain subjects in school but remained resilient and determined, Yap added.
Meanwhile, Yap and Randy have also set up an art gallery to showcase their daughter’s paintings which describe how she sees the world.
The Shana Lim Gallery is located at Lot 3-16, GMBB mall in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.
Also present at the book launch were Seri Kembangan assemblyman Wong Siew Ki, Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin and Subang Jaya councillor Tey Boon Kiat.
For more information, get in touch via email at shanalimgallery@gmail.com
