The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.109)

TZU CHI 109 11 “When Tang Soong first sought help from Tzu Chi, his vision was so poor that he could only detect faint traces of light,” revealed Kang Jiann. Prior to that, Tang Soong had to postpone his cornea transplant operation due to the risk posed by high intraocular pressure (fluid pressure inside the eye) in his eye. The excessive pressure exerted on his eye caused damage to his optic nerve, preventing the transmission of visual signals to the brain. In this case, undergoing a cornea transplant was not a feasible option. In February 2018, Tang Soong underwent laser surgery to alleviate his intraocular pressure. Post-surgery, he was required to apply eye drops to keep his intraocular pressure under control, and was scheduled for frequent follow-up appointments with the doctor. Tang Soong was prescribed multiple types of eye drops, each to be administered at a particular time of the day and at a particular frequency. To avoid confusion, Kang Jiann came up with the idea of labelling the bottles by using rubber bands before storing the bottles in separate compartments in a small fridge. Kang Jiann was grateful to fellow volunteer, Lim Jit Han, for his support and guidance in caring for Tang Soong. “His wholehearted commitment to charity work is exemplary,” he praised in genuine admiration for Jit Han. In the early days of caring for Tang Soong, Jit Han would personally deliver lunch to the former from the Tzu Chi Jinjang Recycling Education Centre every Sunday without fail. Jit Han’s thoughtful gesture gradually earned him Tang Soong’s trust, forging a close relationship between them. If Jit Han was busy, he would arrange for either Kang Jiann or another volunteer to deliver lunch to Tang Soong, drawing on cooperative effort to ensure Tang Soong would not be left starving. In May 2018, Tang Soong contracted glaucoma and had to constantly shuttle between the Sungai Buloh Hospital and Selayang Hospital for treatment. Kang Jiann was more than willing to rearrange his work schedule to accompany Tang Soong on all of his medical appointments. “Every trip to the hospital would take up half a day or even a full day, inevitably affecting my work commitments,” said Kang Jiann, who works as a financial planner. However, he empathized with Tang Soong’s suffering and was determined to be there for him. From receiving to giving “My vision has improved. Now I am able to see shadows and light. Since receiving a subsidy from Tzu Chi, my life has taken a turn for the better. I am able to afford takeaway meals and health supplements,” shared Tang Soong, evidently relieved. Kang Jiann did not forget to inculcate the spirit of kindness in Tang Soong throughout the time spent with him. He explained to Tang Soong that the subsidy he received fromTzu Chi was sourced from public donations. Everyone is capable of offering help, as long as they are willing to. This inspired Tang Soong to register as a Tzu Chi donor, despite still having to rely on a subsidy from Tzu Chi for his livelihood. “I try my best to contribute within my means, whether it is donating RM15 or sometimes, RM20,” said Tang Soong. Those who devote themselves to charity will eventually reap blessings, as attested to by Tang Soong, who appeared to be in better spirits and is now able to manage simple household chores, such as sweeping and mopping the floor, and drawing water from the well for the laundry. He is now self-reliant. Furthermore, he has been Serve from the Heart Ever eady to