The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.110)

TZU CHI 110 21 treatment. He did not give up on himself, however, and chose to let fate take its course. Finding meaning in life When Ngoi Lee learned that he would be bound for a lifetime of regular dialysis, he was hesitant to share the burden of his dialysis expenses with his siblings, as they are but average wage-earners struggling to make ends meet. He was compelled to seek support elsewhere, and found his lifeline upon reading about Tzu Chi in a newspaper article. He dialled the contact number included in the article and requested for assistance from Tzu Chi. In response to Ngoi Lee’s call, Tzu Chi KL & Selangor promptly arranged for volunteers to conduct a home visit to evaluate his case, following which, Tzu Chi agreed to subsidize his dialysis fees. “I have been on dialysis treatment for 17 years now, and Tzu Chi has supported me throughout. I am grateful to Tzu Chi for subsidizing my dialysis fees and living expenses, allowing me to carry on with life with peace of mind,” he said. The dialysis treatments eventually took a toll on Ngoi Lee’s health, making him susceptible to various ailments. He underwent two operations to treat a thyroid disorder, but both attempts were unsuccessful. He now relies on medications to keep his condition under control. He has also had various forms of surgeries performed on different parts of his body. Besides that, Ngoi Lee also suffers from asthma. Inhalers are indispensable to him, and it is common for him to be hospitalized due to bacterial infection. Once, he experienced breathing difficulties so severe that he was short on breath and lacked the strength to drive himself to the hospital, prompting him to call for an ambulance. Ngoi Lee is deeply grateful to his family, friends and Tzu Chi volunteers for their unwavering support in seeing him through thick and thin. He professed to having boarded at his older brother’s house 17 years ago, when he was unable to afford the rent after forking out a costly sum for his dialysis fees. He now lives with his mother, thanks to his relative who offered them to stay in her vacant unit. Ten years ago, when Ngoi Lee was too weak to manoeuvre a motorcycle, his older brother generously offered him his car. Ngoi Lee was fortunate to have obtained his driver’s licence prior to being involved in the road accidents that nearly took his life, hence he was back in the driver’s seat in no time after sending the vehicle for disabled- friendly modifications. He has been driving Chong Ngoi Lee drives himself around in a car modified for disabled drivers, proving that his disability is no obstacle to a productive life. [Photograph by Yong Mun Fei] Touching Lives with Unconditional Love