LRS CARE: Weakened Heart, but Strong in Spirit

Little Red Scarf CARE manages poverty relief programs in Gansu province in rural China. This is a story about a boy who is supported by the LRS CARE team, the incredible hardships of his family, and the even more amazing hope that they maintain through this difficult time. To learn more about and support LRS CARE, go here.
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Yuan Chang is a 10 year old little boy. Doctors discovered that he had congenital heart disease 6 days after he was born. As he grew up, Yuan Chang had to be hospitalized often, causing his family much concern. He also has a sister who suffers from epilepsy. Their parents took her to hospitals several times in Lanzhou (the capital of Gansu), but each treatment was ineffective, and she continued to suffer from seizures. The illnesses of these two children brought overwhelming hardship upon the family.

When things could not seem to get worse, something unimaginable happened in 2008. One day, Yuan Chang's family received news that the father had gotten in a quarrel with another man at work and was killed in the brawl. This, obviously, was devastating for everyone in the family. Although the children were very young, they understood the significance of having lost their father. It has been three years since, but every time their father’s death is spoken of, the mother sheds tears again.

Yuan Chang has an infectious cheeriness, but there is a deeper, sadder story behind his smile...

The village changed over the years. Some rebuilt their houses. The mother always said to her children, “If your father were still alive, we may have been able to live in a nicer home.” Each time, Yuan Chang would answer, “Don’t worry, when I grow up, I will build up a new house for you.”

However, the mother has a greater wish than getting a new home - it is for her children's diseases to be treated. Unfortunately, Yuan Chang’s disease has been delayed too long; his pulmonary hypertension has worsened over the years. After several days of examination recently, doctors found his condition to be at high risk, and advised them to go to Beijing for further examination. But, the mother is illiterate, and the necessary surgery for Yuan Chang will cost too much. When she realized the surgery could not take place, she started crying again. Yuan Chang, playful as always, said to his mother, “Why cry? I am doing fine right now.” She said to him, “If there is a way to heal your illness, only then will I not cry.” 

The mother’s wish is simple but at the same time difficult. Let us gather our strength to help Yuan Chang and his mother continue to be strong. Let us make their wish come true.
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Yuan Chang's condition can be followed here.

The original story was written by LRS Care staff Guanying, translated by TFish staff Shishi Ma, and edited by U.S. Intern Kaitlyn Cheung.