27 June 2010 is the 123th anniversary of the birth of Helen Keller, in Tuscumbia, Alabama in the United States. .

An unidentified illness took her hearing and sight when she was only 19 months old. After losing both, she became wild and uncontrollable due to her inability to communicate and learn.

When Helen was six, her teacher Anne Sullivan, taught her to communicate. It was not an easy task, with Anne needing lots of patience. However, perseverance paid off when Helen finally learned that things have names. The famous "water" breakthrough came when Anne fingerspelled "water" into Helen's hand and pumped water on Helen's hand to feel it.

A scene from the The Miracle Worker" 
A film about the life of Helen Keller

Helen Keller went on to excel in all aspects of her life: graduating from college with honours and writing, lecturing, and inspiring people worldwide.

Helen's story shows the strength and power of the human will and its ability to triumph over the most devastating disabilities.

" Be of good cheer. Do not think of today's failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourself a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will find a joy in overcoming obstacles."
Helen Keller