The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.109)

2019 • 04 08 You are my guiding light “I wish my vision will be restored one day. If that ever happens, Brother Wong (Kang Jiann) would be the first person I would like to see,” revealed Wong Tang Soong in a heartfelt confession. “I cannot imagine how my life would have turned out if it weren’t for Brother Wong and Tzu Chi.” By Kok Kim Tho & Tang Choon Chow Translated by Chia Wen Fang Photograph by Sam Pin Fook W ong Tang Soong, 58, is a KL-based Tzu Chi care recipient who grew up in Jinjang NewVillage. He used to work as a casual construction worker in his younger days while moonlighting as a medium, running a divination practice to provide counsel to his followers and fellow villagers. Unfortunately, over a decade ago, his left eye was blinded after being struck by stray gravel in a workplace accident. The loss of vision in one eye had caused him considerable inconvenience in performing his daily activities. Misfortunes never seem to strike only once. In 2015, Tang Soong was diagnosed with a cornea ulcer in his right eye. The condition was worsened by poor hygiene, leaving him with only 5 percent vision in his right eye. He sought treatment at a government hospital, but his ability to effectively communicate with the medical staff was hampered due to his poor command ofMalay and English, resulting in delayed treatment. From then on, Tang Soong felt as if his life was shrouded in pitch-black darkness. He had no eature