Cassandra Tang

Date of Injury:    June 11, 1993

Type of Injury:    Spinal Cord Injury, T2

Current Home:   Los Angeles, California

My name is Cassandra Thao Tang. I was born in Saigon, Vietnam, and am the eldest of three sisters.  My family and I came to the United States in 1980 in search for freedom and opportunity.  On June 11, 1993, I was a victim of a gunshot wound to the spine which left me paraplegic.  At the time, my younger sister, Anh Tang, was just accepted to UCLA, and her dream was cut short.  She was not as fortunate as I was. She lost her life.  At the age of 22, I was still in college with a bright future ahead of me.   However, after learning from my doctors that I could no longer walk again, it had shattered all of my hopes and dreams. Just when I thought life was over for me, I found it had only just begun.

I went back to college and completed my bachelor degree in Accounting, where I graduated with honors at Cal State University, Los Angeles.  I then interned and volunteered at Pacific Asian Counseling Services as an accountant. I’m currently a registered tax preparer from the California Tax Education Council.  I had held a seasonal part-time job at H&R Block as a tax professional. I was involved as a Volunteer Income Tax Assistant where I prepared income tax for low income families. Now, I am striving to be an enrolled agent.

As for my hobby, I always stay close to the artistic side in me because I love to express my feeling through art work.  I’ve been participating in the Art of Rancho Program, where I have the privilege of displaying my embroidery work alongside with many inspirational artists.  In my free time, I love to fish, cook, embroider, make clay orchids, spend time with families and friends, and support and cheer for wheelchair athletes.

My most passionate accomplishment is being a volunteer.  I find it to be very rewarding and self satisfying.  I am honored to have received the President’s Volunteer Service Award from the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, earning a Gold Award in 2007.

Living with a spinal cord injury is a challenge, where each day is a learning experience for me.   My wheelchair is a part of who I am.  It compliments my personality and brings out the best in me. Having gone through the experiences that I’ve had, I learned that life is a gift.  I live each day to the fullest and as meaningful as it can be.  Through me, my younger sister still lives.

The unconditional love and support from my parents, youngest sister, Josephine, my brother in law, Jason and friends is what keeps me strong.  My passion to make a difference brought me to Ralph’s Riders Foundation.