LRS Care: Xiao Song

​On April 12, 2016, I tried to make a phone call to Xiao Song. However his father had turned off his cell phone. Turning off the cell phone is a way these people who live in the mountains save money on their phone and electricity bills.

I waited until the afternoon, and Xiao Song's father called me back. His words  were filled with happiness. He told me that after the post-surgery examination the doctor said Xiao Song's surgery was a successful one and his son had recovered very well. He is once again healthy and playful.

When I asked him about his family situation, he hesitated, then happily said, "As long as my child is in good health, nothing is too difficult." After I asked him some more, I realized their lives have been very challenging.

Both Xiao Song's mother and grandmother had suffered from arthritis as a result of long-term physical labor and needed to rely on pain medication in order to maintain their daily lives. His grandmother also has hypertension that requires long-term use of medication.

A few years ago, they could get loans from local credit unions because they cultivated tobacco. However, now the family can't take out more loans because they're unable to pay back the approximately 40,000-50,000 RMB ($6,000-$7,600 USD) worth of loans. The family also owes their family and friends about 10,000 RMB ($1,500 USD).

December 16, 2014: The cardiac surgery ward was full so Xiao Song and his family had to temporarily stay in the pediatric ward before surgery.

October 23, 2014: Our first meeting with Xiao Song

December 15, 2014: Our second meeting with Xiao Song

January 20, 2015: Xiao Song is discharged from the hospital.

​Many of the families live in poverty in the mountains of Yunnan, which can easily create a picture of hardship. This unfortunate situation passes down from generation to generation. However, in my impression, even in the most difficult times, there is always a smile on Xiao Song's father's face. Perhaps this is the reason the two brothers are always so energetic. Their father's optimism has brought them happiness and eyes to see their hope in the future.

​Little Red Scarf is hoping to do something for Xiao Song's father who is always optimistic. We want to help fund the medical expenses for his wife and mother. Let's use one hand to wipe away the tears for some, while using the other hand to care and encourage those who are optimistic and not willing to complain. This is where the hope for the future lies.

​They have about 2 acres of mountainous land, all planted  with corn. The cost for buying seeds, fertilizer, and other expenses during spring would be around 5,000 RMB ($750 USD). Xiao Song's father mentioned their total income was 10,000 RMB last year.

I did some calculations and realized they only have about 5,000 RMB left after paying all the expenses in spring, which means the approximate amount each person has to live on is only 160 RMB ($25 USD) a month.

​In the evening, after I returned from visiting them, Xiao Song's father sent a picture of Xiao Song and his brother in the field. The two brothers look so much alike; they both look healthy and strong. I could not tell which one was Xiao Song so I called his father. However his cell phone was once again turned off.  I guess this is how Xiao Song's father saves his money in order pay for all the expenses for his family.

Follow Up Care

LRS Staff: Would you please give me the name of your bank as well as the bank account number so we can transfer the donation to you? Thank you!

Xiao Song's father: My bank account number is xxxxx at the bank of Yunnan Rural Credit Union.

LRS Staff: There should be a branch number for the bank.

LRS Staff: The money has been transferred. The total is 3,000 RMB, minus the processing fee of 6 RMB to the bank, so you will receive 2,994 RMB in your account. Please confirm that. Best wishes to you and your family from Little Red Scarf!

Original article written by Qian Hua, translated by Cindy and Shawn Chung, edited by Carolyn D.

​This year Xiao Song is 7 years old.  He underwent congenital heart surgery at Yunda Hospital when he was 5 years old. He was a very active boy, and he ended up being the only patient that required a prolonged hospital stay because he kept tearing his wound. What I cannot forget is the innocence, curiosity, and vitality that shone through his eyes, so fresh and pure, despite his disease and poverty.