The world of Tzu Chi December 2023 (Vol.148)

2023 08 Rising with newfound strength By Kong Siew Yen Translated by Lee You Zhuan “When I was in difficulty and lost everything, suddenly someone reached out to help me. Who wouldn’t be touched?” — Beneficiary Zezawati O n the evening of September 20, 2023, volunteer Kong Siew Yen received a distressed phone call from Zezawati bt Zanda, a K1K3.0 beneficiary. “It hurts so much. Can you help me?” Zezawati whimpered. Siew Yen’s heart trembled, knowing that Zezawati, who usually presented a resilient front, would not simply seek help from others. The following morning, Siew Yen, along with volunteer Tan Yak Meng, accompanied Zezawati to the clinic. As Zezawati suffered from kidney failure, the doctor, without administering anaesthesia, lightly cut her heel with a surgical knife and extracted thick brown fluid from the wound. In just a few days, bacteria had eroded a large hole in her heel, leaving a shocking wound that measured 2 cm wide and 6 cm deep. The doctor highlighted the urgency of the infection, warning that if the bacteria reached the bone, her entire leg could be jeopardised, potentially leading to sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Recognising the need for consistent care during the two to three-month treatment period, with wound cleaning four times a week, volunteers promptly organised a care group of six, taking turns to transport Zezawati for clinic appointments, while Tzu Chi covered the associated medical expenses. A true family Zezawati relocated from Johor to Kuala Lumpur in pursuit of a livelihood after losing both her parents. Two years ago, she was diagnosed with kidney failure, which necessitated dialysis treatment thrice weekly. However, financial constraints led to her missing several treatments, resulting in lapses into unconsciousness. Fortunately, her friends discovered her in time and rushed her to the hospital. The physical and emotional toll left Zezawati losing the fighting spirit for survival. Volunteer Kong Siew Yen (left) shared about the benefits of vegetarianism with Zezawati (right) and Wazwati (middle), caring for their health. [Photo courtesy of Yau Yoke Mee]