Gansu Care: Hongyan

Little Red Scarf is in Lanzhou, Gansu province and provides financial support and encouragement to children suffering from congenital heart disease. In addition, they provide families with post-operative care and help the children sustain a healthy lifestyle.

Surgery in 2014

​​When Hongyan had been suffering from congenital heart disease, she didn't have the opportunity to play with other children. She couldn't even walk. Her grandmother had to carry her on her back, and her parents had to spend more time and energy to take care of her. In 2014, Hongyan underwent a successful operation with help from Little Red Scarf. After surgery, Hongyan recovered well and was able to walk on her own. 

Hongyan before and after surgery

Summer Camp in 2014

Half a year after her operation, Hongyan was invited to participate in the 2nd session of Little Red Scarf's summer camp. For the first time, Hongyan was able to make friends. She became cheerful and adapted to her new life, thanks to the operation. 

Hongyan at the 2nd session of LRS summer camp

Summer Camp in 2016

In August 2016, Hongyan was invited to participate in Little Red Scarf's 3rd session of summer camp. We found she was completely different. She could communicate and speak to strangers. During the hospital activity in the provincial Children and Women's Care Center, she heard her heartbeat. "I can hear my own heartbeat--ba bum, ba bum, ba bum!" she described excitedly. 

Hongyan is a little dreamer. This is her self-portrait. She told me, “I hope I can be as pretty as this picture.” As a matter of fact, she is moving toward that goal. 

After the 2 summer camps, Hongyan has made great improvements. She was given the award for Best Progress.

Continued Support in 2016

After Hongyan's operation, we kept in touch with her family and provided a subsidy of 1950 RMB ($300 USD) to help them alleviate poverty. We hope with the help of loving people, Hongyan’s family will be doing better. Hongyan, who is in Grade 3, wrote a receipt for us.

Hongyan's dream is to be a pilot and fly high. She hasn't realized that she has actually already taken off on the route of life. She is flying toward her goal.

Original article written by Wang Li, translated by Maggie Li, edited by Carolyn D.