Jessica Cox

A Filipino American who was born without arms has embarked on a new journey, this time by conquering the water.

ABS-CBN North America News Bureau correspondent Don Tagala reported that Jessica Cox of Tucson, Arizona is living her life to the fullest.

“My goal is eventually become certified so that I can go to the Philippines and enjoy the beautiful coral reefs that I hear so much about,” said Cox.

Cox is not looking at her disability as a hindrance to enjoy life. In fact, Cox is a licensed car driver and airplane pilot.

Now, this nationally recognized motivational speaker is opening up more possibilities to conquer. This time, she wants to become a certified scuba diver.

Helping her achieve her goal is world famous scuba diving instructor Jim Elliott, founder and president of Diveheart Foundation in Illinois.

Tagala reported that Elliot’s mission is to build confidence and independence in children and veterans with disabilities.

Jessica Cox learns to scuba dive/Photo courtesy of  the Diveheart Foundation

“It's the only sport in the world where there's no gravity. So if you get somebody out of a wheelchair, in the water, they can move parts of their bodies in ways they normally can't move on land, so that adds range of motion, extra circulation, oxygenation of tissues, it's a lot of physiological benefits and also psychological,” said Elliott.

With full scuba gear, Cox took up her new challenge and went underwater. She used one foot to propel herself and the other to manipulate the many cords and controls of the scuba gear.

“For me the challenge now of having my feet free to do what I need to do and at the same time be able to propel myself through water,” she said. With Balitang America