Five years ago, the Phua siblings went to Taiwan to receive treatment at Tzu Chi hospital in Hualien. A brain stimulation electrode implanted in their brains successfully controlled the spasms caused by a rare genetic disorder, Hallervorden Spatz Syndrome. Their parents are happy to see their quality of life improved by leaps and bounds throughout the years, but the costs for the battery replacement biannually is a huge financial burden for the family especially after the recent economic crisis.

Batam volunteers’ sign language performance exuded “Warmth” to the audience.

David Liu checking on Kin Yong’s condition. With the love and care from many, the brother and sister, now 18 and 15, can now attend schools. In the past, they have to lie on the beds at all times.

The reporter requested for the address of King Yong’s personal blog. The boy candidly agreed. David Liu kindly held the notepad for him while he jotted down the address.

Five years ago, Phua Kin Yong, then 14, and his sister Phua Zi Qi, 11, were afflicted with a rare genetic disorder named Hallerverdon Spatz Syndrome. The symptoms manifest as uncontrollable spasms of muscles. The family has since sought every possible cure in Singapore, but no viable solution was found. Fortunately, through the assistance of Tzu Chi volunteers who discovered the family’s predicament through news, the siblings were transported to Taiwan for treatment at Tzu Chi hospital in Hualien. With the insertion of electrode implants, the children’s conditions improved significantly.

After their return, Tzu Chi Singapore continued to finance the siblings’ treatment in Singapore General Hospital that includes replacing the batteries for the implants in 2007. In December 2008, Zi Qi’s electrode battery ran out unexpectedly and Tzu Chi Singapore kindly arranged for her return to Hualien. Her brother, Kin Yong, went along for evaluation for his scoliosis.

In mid-May, the specialist from SGH informed Mrs. Phua that the battery power in Kin Yong’s electrode implant is left with a mere 10%, and needs to be replaced as soon as possible to avoid seizures. However, Mr. Phua has difficulty paying the surgery fees of $25,000 as his business has been severely affected by the current economic crisis. As such, Mrs. Phua once again turned to Tzu Chi for help.

Since February 2009, Tzu Chi Singapore has been actively raising funds for its “Seeds of Hope” scholarship programme. This long-term project aims to provide 500 primary and secondary needy students with monthly meal and transportation subsidies. CEO of Tzu Chi Singapore, David Liu, sincerely appeals to the public to continue to give a helping hand to the Phua’s family, just like in the past when they have graciously donated for the children’s implant surgery through Tzu Chi.

Having learnt about the appeal firsthand, Lianhe Wanbao arranged for an interview with Mr. and Mrs. Phua together with David Liu and social service staff, Karen Lim on May 25 to obtain the latest information about the siblings to help raise the awareness for public appeal.

When David Liu heard about Mr. Phua’s sleepless nights, he encouraged the couple, “There are different challenges at different stages. We now have to brace up and face the challenge during replacement of the battery. Help is always there as long as you do not give up.”

Tzu Chi Singapore sincerely hopes that the public would respond graciously and together help to pave a brighter future for the brother and sister.

Read about the family’s encounter with Tzu Chi in 2004:
http://www.tzuchimalacca.com/tc_world/tcworld71/e1-6.htm