The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.128)

2020 • 11 08 eature Smile at me – Ivy Pua, Acting Executive Director of Beautiful Gate Foundation “PWDs are actually disabled from fully integrating into society because of inadequate disabled- friendly facilities in the general environment and people’s attitude that lacks understanding and tolerance.” – Ivy Pua Translated by Yew Siew Yong Photographs courtesy of Ivy Pua “I was only 16 when I experienced a sudden and intense pain throughout my body in the middle of the night and lost sensation and mobility to the lower part of my body. The next morning, my family rushed me to the hospital. Before the operation, my parents consoled and told me, that I would be fine after surgery…,” recalled 38-year-old Ivy Pua as the episode was like a dream to her. It was only later that her family told her what the doctor said regarding the blood clot in her spine that had damaged her nerves, causing paralysis to her lower body and that she will be using wheelchair for the rest of her life. From then on, her youthful dreams were totally shattered. Though everyone encouraged her to face the situation bravely, being the only