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For many people around the world, everyday is a struggle to survive because of disabilities and poverty. For the final entry in my series on humanity, I want to introduce to you Sieng Sok Chann, who is an inspiring young woman from Cambodia.

When Sieng was in the eighth grade she was struck in the spine by a bullet as she was walking over a bridge with her grandmother. As a result of her injury and subsequent paralysis, she has faced many difficulties such as having to drop out of school, being abandoned by her husband to raise their son on her own, and having property that was given to her taken away. Worst of all she was told, “Why don’t you just die?” by people who were close to her. Sieng, however, has an amazing spirit and refused to give up on herself and her son and now makes a living teaching sewing to other women who have disabilities, as well. While many would give up on life under these difficult circumstances, Sieng chose to take control of her life and did not allow the world to define or crush her.

Please go to the following link and watch an interview that I filmed with Sieng Sok Chann for CMB Australia’s End the Cycle campaign.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LR1FxU_0msI&list=UUa60-Uai8j3FPTCACD5Dndg&index=8&feature=plcp

I encourage you as a photographer to be an ambassador for your part of the world through the images that you share on 500px. Look for photographic opportunities to make visible “The Invisible Thread of Humanity.” Through our images we can bridge the gap of misunderstanding and fear that is perpetuated by those who are more interested in dividing us by way of our differences, than uniting us through our common humanity. We have the power to create a future that is both peaceful and prosperous.

Thank you for supporting this series! I’ve enjoyed your comments and appreciate your friendship.

All the best,

Paul