By: Saanvi Shah, FCSN Voices Youth Reporter
Graphics by: Alice Sun, FCSN Voices Graphic Artist

For CK Lee, life’s most important lessons have come from his daughter, June. Her journey, filled with resilience and constant learning, has shaped not only their family’s story but also the lives of countless others in the special needs community.

June entered the world 33 years ago, late by two weeks. What CK and his wife anticipated as a straightforward delivery became a long 26-hour labor, testing their patience and strength. June’s heart monitor suddenly went silent, prompting nurses to quickly administer oxygen and urged CK’s wife to change positions. June’s heartbeat returned, but the challenges didn’t stop at birth. June began vomiting a brownish fluid and struggled with low body temperature and blood sugar, leading to an urgent stay in the ICU for nearly two weeks. When she finally came home, CK and his wife were filled with hope and relief. Like any new parents, they were ready to embrace the joys and challenges of raising their child.

But as the months passed, small signs appeared that June might experience the world differently. Her night-time crying seemed more intense than usual. Around four months, CK’s wife noticed that June’s motor activity had slowed. Doctors initially reassured them, but as June approached her first birthday, it became clear she needed additional support to reach important developmental milestones. At eight months, doctors suggested therapy to encourage her physical growth. By her first birthday, she couldn’t yet walk or speak. Eventually, she was diagnosed with a developmental delay due to brain damage sustained during birth. Yet, every challenge was met with determination, not just by June, but by her entire family. Physical, occupational, and speech therapies became a regular part of life. Slowly but surely, June began to take her first steps, speak her first words, and carve out her path forward.

In Taiwan, where CK and his family lived at the time, resources for children with special needs were scarce. Specialized therapists and educational support were difficult to find. Determined to provide June with every opportunity, the Lee family made the life-altering decision to move to the United States in 1996.

That move would mark the start of not just a new chapter for June, but also a new purpose for CK. Just a few months after settling in, CK received a call that would change everything. A special education teacher invited him to a meeting of parents who were hoping to form a nonprofit to support families like theirs. That meeting became the foundation of Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN), an organization that has since grown into a beacon of hope for countless families in the special needs community.

Through FCSN, CK found a network of parents who understood his journey. They exchanged advice, shared resources, and, most importantly, offered each other a sense of belonging. “I didn’t know how to navigate the American education system or how to find the right therapies,” CK recalls. “But other parents showed me the way. That’s the power of community.”

June’s social spirit is another of her defining traits. She loves being around people, whether it’s family, friends, or teachers. Conversations with June often bring laughter. CK fondly remembers moments when she would intentionally make a joke, like eating something she loves and cheekily saying, “I don’t like this,” just to get a reaction.

One of her greatest joys is music. From singing along to nursery rhymes as a child to dancing to Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande today, music has been a constant source of happiness in her life. Though tasks like tying shoelaces or playing instruments remain challenging due to low muscle tone, June’s connection to music transcends physical limitations. “She doesn’t need to play an instrument to be part of the music,” CK says. “She feels the rhythm, sings with heart, and brings joy to those around her.”

And while her developmental delays sometimes cause her to repeat questions, there are moments when June surprises everyone with insightful observations. CK recalls a time when June noticed her teacher was absent and commented, “Oh, teacher Maria is not here today.” These seemingly small moments are big victories, proof that June is aware and expressing her feelings in her own unique way.

For CK, being June’s father has been a journey of constant learning. “Before June, I wasn’t a patient person,” he admits. “But she taught me that life doesn’t need to be rushed. Every person has their own rhythm, and it’s our job to walk alongside them, not ahead of them.” Whether it’s answering her repeated questions with kindness or finding strategies to navigate everyday challenges, CK credits June for transforming his outlook on life. “She made me a better listener, a more thoughtful parent, and, honestly, a better person.”

One of their biggest ongoing challenges is dental care, as June is fearful of dentist visits and often requires sedation. “It’s never easy to see your child anxious, but each time she recovers and smiles again, we feel a huge sense of relief and pride,” CK shares.

Through his journey with June and his work with FCSN, CK has become a passionate advocate for inclusion. He believes that society often focuses too much on what individuals with special needs cannot do, rather than celebrating what they can do. “I hope people learn to be more patient, to give our community more space to grow,” he says. “Inclusion isn’t about doing favors. It’s about recognizing that diversity makes us stronger. Every person has value and something to offer.”

He wants June’s story to inspire others to understand that success doesn’t always follow a conventional path and that’s perfectly okay. “June has taught me empathy and patience. I hope others can see that embracing differences doesn’t weaken a community, it strengthens it.”

June’s journey may have started with unexpected challenges, but it has unfolded into a story of persistence and familial love. Every song she sings, every smile she shares, and every small step she takes forward is a reminder that every life holds immense value. For CK and his family, June is not defined by her delays, but by her abilities. Through their story, they hope to inspire others to slow down, open their hearts, and celebrate the beauty in every person’s unique journey.