The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.112)

2019 • 07 38 By Sia Ah Tong Translated by Lim Wen Xin Photographs by Sam Pin Fook ouching Life Story Undergoing dialysis treatment is a lengthy process that burdens kidney patients not only physically, but also financially. However, kidney patient Yan Kyin Kyu, a recipient of Tzu Chi’s financial aid, braces herself for the challenges ahead with remarkable courage. She hopes to someday prove herself capable of living independently without aid – and help others along the way. E arly each morning, Yan Kyin Kyu, 38, sweeps the floor of the self-service laundromat she works in, mops away the dirt and grime, and wipes the surfaces of the washing machines and dryers until they are spotless. Upon ensuring that the laundromat has been thoroughly cleaned, Kyin Kyu clears away her cleaning tools before driving to her next weekly housekeeping engagement at an office space. Working in a laundromat for three 2-hour shifts weekly is unlikely to be an issue for most. However, it is challenging for illness- stricken Kyin Kyu, who is racing against time Compassion without Borders to work hard for her livelihood and medical expenses for as long as her health still permits. An unforeseen hurdle Kyin Kyu, a Burmese Chinese, migrated to Malaysia 11 years ago after marrying her Malaysian husband, Tan Kim Seng. Kim Seng earns a meagre income working at a car maintenance workshop as a spray painter, but the family lives frugally enough for Kyin Kyu to stay at home to care for Kim Seng and their three children full-time. Trials in life often arrive unannounced. Sometime in March 2018, Kyin Kyu began