By Chun-Lan Huang and Ming-Mu Lee 

In a modest rented room in Taoyuan's Bade District, 90-year-old Granny Cheng and her two adult sons face the daily challenges of severe health issues. Despite battling blindness, dementia, and cancer, the family’s resilience has been uplifted by the timely support of Tzu Chi volunteers. Their assistance has brought renewed hope and dignity to this struggling household. 

Granny Cheng, a former Tzu Chi care recipient from Hualien, now lives on social welfare and community aid. Her second son, blind from a genetic condition, is recovering from a hip fracture and undergoing cancer treatment, while the youngest son suffers from psoriasis and oral cancer. To improve their living conditions, Tzu Chi volunteers provided medical beds and conducted a thorough home cleanup, transforming their cramped 18-square-meter space into a safe and functional environment. 

Essential Support: Medical Beds and More 

LEFT: Volunteers carefully disassemble the original bed to make room for the medical beds. RIGHT: Volunteer Hsiu-Chin Shen assists Granny Cheng, ensuring her comfort during the cleanup. | Photos by Chao-Tian Lee | Taiwan | 2024/11/04 

The initiative began when Tzu Chi long-term care supervisor Zi-Qi Hong recognized the need for proper assistive equipment. Using government resources, two medical beds were provided to ease caregiving responsibilities. The second son, temporarily in institutional care, was due to return home soon. However, their small living space of only 18 square meters needed to be reconfigured to accommodate the new beds. 

LEFT: Volunteers prepare cleaning supplies upon arriving at Granny Cheng’s home. | Photo by Chao-Tian Lee | Taiwan | 2024/11/04 RIGHT: Volunteers remove an old double bed and clean the cluttered rental unit. | Photo by Ming-Lu Lee, Taiwan | 2024/11/04 

On November 4, despite the drizzling rain, seven Tzu Chi volunteers arrived to help. They disassembled the old double bed, cleaned the cluttered space, and rearranged furniture to create a safe and functional environment. Volunteers Fu-Hsiung Cheng and Dong-Wu Tsai expertly installed the medical beds and provided clear instructions on their use. 

LEFT: Volunteers Fu-Hsiung Cheng (left) and Dong-Wu Choi assemble the medical beds. | Photo by Ming-Lu Lee, Taiwan RIGHT: Fu-Hsiung Cheng explains the medical bed's features to the youngest son, Mr. Chen. | Photo by Chao-Tian Lee, Taiwan | 2024/11/4 

Heartfelt Reflections from Volunteers 

For Fu-Hsiung Cheng, the experience was deeply personal. Recalling his late mother’s challenges, he shared, “This reminds me of her journey and how Tzu Chi’s long-term care program became a blessing for my family. Now, I want to give back.” 

Volunteer Hsiu-Chin Shen, moved by Granny Cheng’s frailty, reflected, “She reminds me of my own mother. Seeing her condition makes me cherish what I have and motivates me to care for others wholeheartedly.” 

Spreading Hope Through Service 

As the volunteers scrubbed floors, sorted belongings, and created a more livable space, a sense of shared purpose filled the room. The family’s youngest son, Mr. Chen, despite his own pain, joined in the efforts, expressing profound gratitude. “I couldn’t have managed this alone. The volunteers’ care lightens our burden and fills us with warmth.” 

Volunteers surrounded Granny Cheng’s bed and sang a blessing song, wishing the family good health and peace. | Photo by Chao-Tian Lee | Taiwan | 2024/11/04 

By late morning, the transformation was complete. Volunteers surrounded Granny Cheng’s bed and sang a blessing song, wishing the family good health and peace. The smiles shared were a testament to the power of compassion in the face of adversity.