Never Giving Up On You
In 2017, Madam Chieng, a care beneficiary of Tzu Chi Singapore, underwent 7 brain surgeries within two weeks due to a tumour in her lower brain. She was no longer able to manage her daily living needs and speak after the operations. Her husband, Mr. Lee Yun Chi, does not give up on her, and patiently accompanies her as she undergoes rehabilitation. Her determination to recover has helped her regain the ability to walk, after going through rehabilitation and acupuncture treatments by TCM physicians from the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) every week. She will be undergoing physiotherapy to learn to swallow and speak again. Her progress has greatly motivated her husband and the TCM team.
TIMA TCM doctor：You can’t let her sit on a chair with a backrest for her condition… Then, she can widen her chest.
Listening carefully to the instructions of the TCM practitioner, Lee wants to learn whatever is helpful to his wife, with the hope of living the happy life they once had. His wife, Mdm Chieng, had not been able to stand up after undergoing several brain tumor removal surgeries in 2017.
Mdm Chieng’s husband, Lee Yun Chi ：
When she was discharged from the hospital, the doctor said that she wouldn’t even be able to sit, let alone stand. I can’t accept that and believe that there is hope for her (to recover), but it takes time. So I am determined to help her and start to think of what I can do.
Not giving up on any hope, Lee accompanied his wife to undergo rehabilitation. In addition, she received weekly acupuncture treatments from TIMA’s TCM practitioners. 9 months later, she is finally able to stand up.
Tzu Chi volunteer: Ok, very good! Take it slowly
TCM doctor, Chew Sio Peng:
When we first gave her acupuncture treatment, she did not show much response regardless of how much treatment we gave her. After treating her for a period of time, she has now become more responsive, and this is a good sign.
Tzu Chi volunteer, Kong Kim Yoke:
Her progress also motivates us. Every small little step that she takes is a big step for her.
TCM doctor, Chew Sio Peng:
When we were interacting with her, her hands would tremble when we mentioned about her daughters. Her daughters are still young and they are her hope.
Tzu Chi volunteer:Bow to all the Buddhas
The doctors take care of the patient’s health while the volunteers gave her emotional support. In May, the volunteers brought a Lucite Buddha statue to their home to allow the Buddhist family to pray for blessings from the Buddha. The volunteers’ care has given Lee strong support.
Mdm Chieng’s husband, Lee Yun Chi :
At least, we have someone whom we can seek help and advice from whenever there is any problem. She’s gone a long way to be able to arrive at this stage. To me, her progress is very encouraging.
Mdm Chieng’s husband :
Now let us stand at the side and let her try walking
Mdm Chieng, who used to be bedridden, is able to walk now, and no longer needs a tracheal suction pump anymore too. Next, she will be undergoing physiotherapy to learn to speak and swallow again. Surrounded by love, Mdm Chieng is gradually moving towards
