The world of Tzu Chi Nov-Dec 2022 (Vol.144)

TZU CHI 144 33 her mother, mother-in-law and father-in- law. Besides losing her loved ones, her savings were also depleted by half, for the wake services and funerals. What caught her even more unprepared was her husband’s diagnosis of cancer, not long after her father- in-law’s demise. Hong Ying recalled that her husband started to develop a sore throat in 2017. He visited a clinic, and was prescribed medication for inflammation. However, his condition persisted even after a month. Hong Ying then suggested that he obtain a further check-up at the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre. To their dismay, her husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 lymphoma, and there were signs of metastasis! As the family was financially stressed over the cost of the chemotherapy treatment which would amount to over RM100,000, the doctor proposed that they raise funds through the newspapers. Upon receiving a referral from a kind soul, Tzu Chi volunteers promptly contacted Hong Ying’s husband and arranged for the provision of emergency subsidies after due assessment. During the six chemotherapy cycles, the husband had to endure the pain of injection and take medications daily. Although exhausted and sleepless worrying about him, Hong Ying held back tears and put on a strong disposition in front of him. After the first course of chemotherapy, the 6-cm tumour found in his lymph nodes had disappeared. However, the doctor discovered that the cancer cells had spread to the brain. This plunged the couple into despair once again. By then, her husband had lost his appetite and the ability to recognize people he knew. Seeing that, the doctor swiftly planned for another course of chemotherapy treatment while advising Hong Ying to prepare for the worst. Regrettably, the husband passed away in the first cycle of treatment. Recollecting the series of unexpected events, she said, “It was extremely bad. I felt miserable and kept asking why. Why was it that those who departed were all dearest to me and those who could help me the most? Why wasn’t my wish for a simple and ordinary life granted? Why did my husband depart from this world at such a young age?” A new beginning Hong Ying was greatly traumatized by the death of her life partner and was on the brink of emotional collapse. However, she was not allowed a breather. In addition to her family’s daily needs, she was also burdened with a car loan, mortgage, her children’s education expenses, and more. Her family had to face the huge challenge of having no income Life was blissful for Hong Ying’s (2nd from left) family of four until 2017, when her husband was diagnosed with lymphoma. [Photo courtesy of Cheah Hong Ying]