Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Heart 4 Hope


By Yvonne Foong
Whenever people express admiration for me, I feel overrated because I am no more than your average neighbor.

Like many 20-year-olds, I wake up every morning to check for new e-mails, read the news, and do random chores before heading to college. I am now deaf, so waking up without the alarm clock is relied entirely upon constant training of the subconscious mind.

I am a student of Mass Communication at Life College, which may be small, but it is a warm, supportive community of students. College is my second home, where familiar faces greet me at every corner I enjoy the company of my college mates, but life can seem so normal, that nobody would have guessed that this seemingly carefree teenager has an extraordinary tale.

No matter how much I consider myself normal, there is no denial that I am a product of genetic mutation that make tumors grow in my brain, spine, and random nerves. No cure exists for Neurofibromatosis.

Since the diagnosis four years ago, I had undergone three major surgeries to remove tumors in my brain and spine. I was paralyzed from chest-down for an entire month, and intense physiotherapy was needed to retrain my mobility. The tumors have so far caused me bilateral deafness. I am also suffering from partial facial paralysis and random nerve damages along the spine. Whenever friends perform challenging physical activities, I silently wish to be like them.

You may wonder how I still have room to feel “normal”. The answer is simple. I was not born this way. Although NF is a genetic disorder, there were no symptoms until I was 13. Until then, I remained a healthy child who learned ballet, figure skating and karate. I used to play with my friends in school and together, we would cycle to tuition classes. I could perform stunts that I can only reminiscent today. I had just passed grade 5 with a highly commended when worsening balance forced me to quit ballet

I was only 13 when my childhood was invaded. The adults dismissed my claims. Deafness and poor balance did not concern others until they became bad enough to put me on a wheelchair three years later.

Three whole years of anguish and suppression, without a clue of what was happening to me. The realities of NF would have frightened unsuspecting patients, but for someone who had suffered in silence, the diagnosis occurred to me as a
Relieve because - finally, there came a reason to my sudden disabilities. Finally, light shone after all those years of looming darkness.

That was four years ago. I have since traveled far to be where I am today. NF may be terrible, but it is also my vehicle to self-actualization. Because of it, I found God’s purpose for me in life.

After sitting for the SPM examination, I enrolled myself into a music diploma. I loved singing and had always wanted to improve myself. I was a soprano in the school choir. However, a tumor was soon discovered inhibiting the remaining hearing nerve. The inevitable fact of impending bilateral deafness loomed and I had to drop another passion.

That year, a third surgery left me in confusion. What will become of me with this illness? What am I going to do for a living?

God heard my cries and those uncertainties soon eased. Few months later, a young lady visited my website and was greatly touched. She extended her words of encouragement through e-mail, and a wonderful friendship began.

Cordelia Lee was a 33-year-old lady who, having known me for barely a week, suggested that I write a book.

I am so young. Who would pay to read my story? It’s nothing to shout about,” I protested without missing a beat.

Since I had no serious commitment at that time, and since Cordy volunteered to help, I gave it a go knowing that I was not alone.

The book took two months of heartaches, tears, and tiring self-indulgence to complete. I had never before reflect on my past, let alone writing it into a book. It proved to be therapeutic, unleashing the years of hidden hurts and resentments, allowing myself to heal in every way.

I am thankful that God brought Cordy to me. Without her, I would not have written a book and eventually won the hearts of many people. It was a first-class ticket to a brighter future. I have since been offered to write for many newspapers and magazines. Since my first appearance in The Star newspaper, my story has reached the knowledge of many people who became regular visitors to my blog. I later won the 2005 AYA Dream Malaysia awards based on public votes, that came with a full scholarship from Life College.

We are now selling HEART4HOPE t-shirts to raise funds for another surgery. Since December 2005, we have managed to raise RM50,000 in six months by the selling and public donations. The required sum is USD58,600 which includes tumor removal and the Auditory Brainstem Implant to stimulate sound sensations.

Fundraising for better quality of life may be tiresome, but everything that follow are priceless. Albeit my poor health, I still hope that one day soon, I can positively change the world by the stroke of a pen.By Yvonne Foong
Whenever people express admiration for me, I feel overrated because I am no more than your average neighbor.

Like many 20-year-olds, I wake up every morning to check for new e-mails, read the news, and do random chores before heading to college. I am now deaf, so waking up without the alarm clock is relied entirely upon constant training of the subconscious mind.

I am a student of Mass Communication at Life College, which may be small, but it is a warm, supportive community of students. College is my second home, where familiar faces greet me at every corner I enjoy the company of my college mates, but life can seem so normal, that nobody would have guessed that this seemingly carefree teenager has an extraordinary tale.

No matter how much I consider myself normal, there is no denial that I am a product of genetic mutation that make tumors grow in my brain, spine, and random nerves. No cure exists for Neurofibromatosis.

Since the diagnosis four years ago, I had undergone three major surgeries to remove tumors in my brain and spine. I was paralyzed from chest-down for an entire month, and intense physiotherapy was needed to retrain my mobility. The tumors have so far caused me bilateral deafness. I am also suffering from partial facial paralysis and random nerve damages along the spine. Whenever friends perform challenging physical activities, I silently wish to be like them.

You may wonder how I still have room to feel “normal”. The answer is simple. I was not born this way. Although NF is a genetic disorder, there were no symptoms until I was 13. Until then, I remained a healthy child who learned ballet, figure skating and karate. I used to play with my friends in school and together, we would cycle to tuition classes. I could perform stunts that I can only reminiscent today. I had just passed grade 5 with a highly commended when worsening balance forced me to quit ballet

I was only 13 when my childhood was invaded. The adults dismissed my claims. Deafness and poor balance did not concern others until they became bad enough to put me on a wheelchair three years later.

Three whole years of anguish and suppression, without a clue of what was happening to me. The realities of NF would have frightened unsuspecting patients, but for someone who had suffered in silence, the diagnosis occurred to me as a

Relieve because - finally, there came a reason to my sudden disabilities. Finally, light shone after all those years of looming darkness. That was four years ago. I have since traveled far to be where I am today. NF may be terrible, but it is also my vehicle to self-actualization. Because of it, I found God’s purpose for me in life.

After sitting for the SPM examination, I enrolled myself into a music diploma. I loved singing and had always wanted to improve myself. I was a soprano in the school choir. However, a tumor was soon discovered inhibiting the remaining hearing nerve. The inevitable fact of impending bilateral deafness loomed and I had to drop another passion.

That year, a third surgery left me in confusion. What will become of me with this illness? What am I going to do for a living?

God heard my cries and those uncertainties soon eased. Few months later, a young lady visited my website and was greatly touched. She extended her words of encouragement through e-mail, and a wonderful friendship began.

Cordelia Lee was a 33-year-old lady who, having known me for barely a week, suggested that I write a book. I am so young. Who would pay to read my story? It’s nothing to shout about,” I protested without missing a beat. Since I had no serious commitment at that time, and since Cordy volunteered to help, I gave it a go knowing that I was not alone.

The book took two months of heartaches, tears, and tiring self-indulgence to complete. I had never before reflect on my past, let alone writing it into a book. It proved to be therapeutic, unleashing the years of hidden hurts and resentments, allowing myself to heal in every way.

I am thankful that God brought Cordy to me. Without her, I would not have written a book and eventually won the hearts of many people. It was a first-class ticket to a brighter future. I have since been offered to write for many newspapers and magazines. Since my first appearance in The Star newspaper, my story has reached the knowledge of many people who became regular visitors to my blog. I later won the 2005 AYA Dream Malaysia awards based on public votes, that came with a full scholarship from Life College.

We are now selling HEART4HOPE t-shirts to raise funds for another surgery. Since December 2005, we have managed to raise RM50,000 in six months by the selling and public donations. The required sum is USD58,600 which includes tumor removal and the Auditory Brainstem Implant to stimulate sound sensations.

Fundraising for better quality of life may be tiresome, but everything that follow are priceless. Albeit my poor health, I still hope that one day soon, I can positively change the world by the stroke of a pen.
www.yvonnefoong.com

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

The Challenge

Hello to you all out there, especial to my friends, family, & those who I have met through cyber space I am very blessed to have you all in part of my life for your support, courage, strength, faith, friendship and the great example you set for others. I've asked a few important people to tell a little about themselves to share and explain to others about their health condition to how it affects them physical, emotional, and mentally the challenges that they must face in their daily lives. How they have learned from it, to except it... and the message they have for others who may or may not be in the same situation but could some how understand them in physical sense...

My heart goes out to all those who participated in sharing their personal story I know it's not easy thing to do but with your help we can learn so much from each other and make others hopefully better understand to what we go through.

Adversity Introduces A Man To Himself

Adversity Introduces a Man to Himself
By Kimberly

It has been said: A path without obstacles probably leads a man to nowhere. As for my life I believe this to be true.

As a young child I was diagnosed with diabetes and Placed on injections. The first thing I asked my parent was: do I get to go to camp UTADA, a camp for diabetics. My older sister had been and I wanted to go too. So two weeks after being diagnosed we headed of to camp together. I didn’t understand this would be a beginning of a new life. I spent several years at camp as a camper, staff member, and a camp counselor. This brought me great opportunities and memories. I also applied and was chosen to go to Youth Leadership Congress as a delegate for the Utah chapter for the American Diabetes Association. This gave me the opportunity to discuss several bills with congressmen and learn more about diabetes as well as make new friends from all over the United States.

In my early twenties I was diagnosed with Diabetic Retinopathy. I began to lose my vision. In a short time I went through nine laser surgeries. During that time I decided to return to school at Weber State University. There I became involved with the Students with Disabilities Office and the AWARE Club. I was given some great opportunities again. I served as the president of the AWARE and the Senator for Students with Disabilities. This gave me a great experiences and I was able to learn more about leadership.

Later I returned to the work force doing a job I enjoyed and loved very much. I was disappointed when I was told I needed to get off my feet due to problems. I was told if I didn’t get of my feet I could be in a wheel chair in fiver years or possibly amputation was another option. The Dr. stated it was just a matter of time. I contacted Low Vision Services to get their assistance. Once again, opportunities arose. They talked to me about attending the B.O.O.S.T.

B.O.O.S.T. has given me so much.. I learned computer skills, Customer Service Skills, and to use flexibility between technical skills and people skills, Problem solving which has helped me so much already. I have also learned about Quality in a company, teamwork, motivation, interviewing Techniques and the list goes on. David Salazar has taught me both about technical skills and personal skills through his example such as maintaining a positive attitude.

The Song Like An Eagle, by Carl Stromman helps to express my feelings about B.O.O.S.T.

Now is the time
To follow the wind
To walk alone

And a star will show the way
Above the clouds
Beyond the sea

And now is the time
And now and farewell
And as we part

You taught me well
You gave me strength
You showed the way
I'll not forget you

Like an eagle I will soar above the clouds
I will spread my wings and fly into the sun
Like an eagle I will race above the stars

I will fly to places yet unseen
Go beyond my wildest dreams
Know that you are watching over me

And all alone
I will follow the stars above
As my guide

As my guide
I trust in you
To show the way to me
Beyond the sea

And now is the time
And now and farewell
And as we part

You taught me well
You gave me strength
You showed the way
I'll not forget you

Like an eagle I will race above the stars
I will spread my wings and fly into the sun
Like an eagle I will race above the stars

I will fly to places yet unseen
Go beyond my wildest dreams
Know that you are watching over me

Alone, I can fly with the eagle to the mountain high
Race with the eagle so far beyond my dreams
Like an eagle I will fly

Like an eagle I will race above the stars
I will spread my wings and fly into the sun
Like an eagle I will soar above the clouds

I will fly to places yet unseen
Go beyond my wildest dreams
Know that you are watching over me

Like and eagle I will race above the stars
Like an eagle I will fly
Like an eagle I will fly

I'm gonna fly the highest mountain
(Fly)
Fly above the clouds
Like an eagle I will fly

B.O.O.S.T., You taught me well. You gave me strength you showed the way. I will not forget you. I would like to thank Novus for sponsoring the program. Kathy Roberts for allowing us to be here at Lake Park. Debbie Inkley for her inspiration, and starting the program. Karen Whales for coordinating B.O.O.S.T. with those out in our Community. Also, David Salazar for his time, effort. Patience and sharing his knowledge. Thanks to our dedicated tutors: Jenny Easy, and Joanne. I would like to thank my classmates who have helped make this experience a positive one for me.

As seen from my experience with B.O.O.S.T. another obstacle has created and opportunity. I hope we can leave here feeling we can fly with the eagle and keep in mind that adversity introduces a man to himself.