The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.110)

10 eature offer moral support. Despite being unable to leave his house, Teik Hong keeps abreast of happenings within Tzu Chi through various media, such as newspapers, The World of Tzu Chi monthly, Da Ai TV and his smartphone. He admired the recycling volunteers’ dedication to environmental protection as featured on the Grassroots Bodhi programme on Da Ai TV. “I might be immobile, but my imagination takes me to faraway places. Whenever I read about news of Tzu Chi volunteers participating in international disaster relief missions, I would imagine I was there with the volunteers. I would also share heart-warming and inspiring stories of howTzu Chi volunteers have touched the lives of many,” he mused. Six months ago, Teik Hong contracted Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, resulting in severe mouth sores and a prolonged fever. A course of antibiotics failed to cure him of the disease, but triggered discomfort in his chest instead. The pain in his chest grew so unbearable that he contacted a volunteer at 5:00 am to seek help. Upon learning of his situation, the volunteer arranged for a van to fetch him to the hospital without hesitation. The pain in his chest eased within half an hour after receiving an injection from the doctor, who proceeded to declare him fit to return home. He was moved to tears of gratitude by the sympathetic gestures of the volunteer, who accompanied him to the hospital and kindly offered, “My phone will be on standby for you at all hours of the day. Feel free to call me whenever you need help.” “Now, I have the unconditional support of not only my family, but also Tzu Chi volunteers,” he affirmed, acknowledging that the volunteers’ unwavering care encouraged Leong Teik Hong’s mother, now 83, has been meticulously attending to Teik Hong for the past 27 years. [Photograph by Leong Chian Yee]