Charity eases girl’s torment

At home on the mainland, other children called her “the monster”.

That is because Cheng Jianyun, 14, has a genetic skin disorder called ichthyosis. Since birth her skin, particularly on her limbs, has been extremely dry and scaly.

For a decade her mother, Cheng Xiuping, tried everything to get medical help in their village in Guangxi (廣西) – with no luck. In the meantime, Jianyun’s hands and feet developed thick, horny skin. She could not write, eat, walk or live a normal life.

Apart from the physical suffering, she had to put up with the psychological pain of being discriminated against by villagers and schoolmates because of her appearance.

“She has no friends,” her mother said.“She dared not go to school alone, and spent two years at home so she could join her brother, who is two years younger than her, in the same class.” The teenager attempted suicide on several occasions. “My daughter has very low-self esteem; she was being called a monster.”

Life seemed to be hopeless for the Cheng family until the middle of last year, when Jianyun was given the chance to receive treatment at the Prince of Wales Hospital.

A Hong Kong man, who identified himself only as Mr Man, heard about Jianyun’s plight. He referred the case to a friend, Marcia Aw, executive director of the Changing Young Lives Foundation. Jianyun’s case was adopted by the foundation’s Wishing Well Programme.

It aims to help underprivileged mainland and Hong Kong children who need medical care. They undergo diagnosis in a local hospital and, if necessary, are sent to Beijing or Hong Kong for free care.

With the organization’s help, Jianyun received treatment last August from Luk Nai-ming, director of the Dermatology Research Centre of Chinese University. Over the next five months, she traveled to Hong Kong three times for consultations and treatment. Most of the horny and scaly skin has been removed from her legs and body. Now she can eat and walk by herself.

“I feel less pain and I am very happy. I talk and play with others now,” Jianyun whispers. Her mother is also delighted. “I am very grateful for the free treatment,” she said. “I don’t know what to say. She has a new life.”

Ms Aw has also noticed a big change in the teenager. “I was very touched when I saw her progress,” she said. “She became more cheerful.”

Another to benefit from the programme is Wong Ching-lam, 17, who began doing volunteer work for the charity last year. She also has a skin disorder – systemic lupus erythematosus – a chronic disease in which thick red patches develop on the skin.

Her first service was to visit Jianyun in August. “I gave her some presents and encouraged her.” Ching-lam said. “after the visit, I realized how fortunate I was, even though I also suffer from a chronic skin disease. But at least there is a better medical system in Hong Kong.”

Article written by Loretta Fong
Article published by South China Morning Post on Feb 11, 2008
Photos by Changing Young Lives Foundation