For 15 years, Yong-Hsu Chiang (江永旭) lay paralyzed in bed, his world confined to the four walls of his living room in Taiwan. A workplace accident at age 19 left him with a cervical spine injury, rendering his legs stiff and immobile, making even using a wheelchair impossible. His parents, already caring for his elder brother's three young children, struggled to provide the specialized care he needed, with his mother working odd jobs to support the family. This left Yong-Hsu Chiang's severe leg wounds untreated for years, leading to deep ulcerations and a profound sense of despair.
A Turning Point in Taichung
In 2015, Tzu Chi volunteers learned of Yong-Hsu Chiang's plight after seeing photos of his deteriorating condition. Yu-Kuei Sun (孫玉貴), a Tzu Chi volunteer, immediately arranged a home visit. Upon entering, they found Chiang on a bed in the living room, his legs unable to bend, bleeding at the slightest movement, and his toenails detaching. Recognizing the family's inability to seek medical attention, Sun offered reassurance: "It's okay if you can't go out; we'll bring the doctor to you."
Following this, Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital's Superintendent Shou-Hsin Chien (簡守信) led a medical team, including wound and ostomy nurses, to Chiang's home. They began regular visits, cleaning his wounds and teaching his family proper care techniques. The family was astonished by their dedication, remarking, "How can you be so diligent?"
Beyond Medical Care: Rekindling Hope
Beyond treating his physical wounds, the medical team assessed Chiang's potential for independent movement and outdoor activity. They arranged for his hospitalization and the customization of assistive devices. After each debridement session, volunteers encouraged him to engage in rehabilitation. However, after more than a decade of immobility, progress was slow, and his motivation waned.
In an effort to reignite his spirit, volunteers sought the help of Chi-Hsiung Tseng (曾啟雄), another individual who had been paralyzed due to an accident. "Chiang has been bedridden for over ten years," the volunteers told Tseng, "we hope you can visit him and spark some hope."
When Chiang saw Tseng arrive in a car and then transfer to an electric wheelchair, he was astonished. "How can this person move so freely?" he wondered. His mother, equally surprised, asked, "Can he really drive like that?" Witnessing Tseng's independence and ability to support his family deeply impressed Chiang. The two men, sharing similar experiences, connected instantly.
Inspired, Chiang committed to his rehabilitation, combining Western medicine with traditional Chinese acupuncture and physical therapy. "I hadn't moved for over ten years, so rehabilitation was exhausting," he recalled, "but no matter how tired I was, I had to push through."
A New Path Through Art
With Chiang's parents aging, volunteers discussed with him the importance of developing a livelihood. They encouraged him to learn painting, just like Tseng. In March 2019, Yong-Hsu Chiang enrolled in an oil painting class at the Taichung City Spinal Cord Injury Association, studying under teacher Li-Ying Juan (阮麗英). Despite the tedious and slow pace to learn, his determined spirit drove him to master painting with a mouth-held brush. He endured sore teeth and mouth ulcers, refusing to give up.
"I found my unyielding self again," he shared. Rehabilitation and painting helped him rediscover his resilient spirit. Working with unfamiliar colors and compositions, holding a long brush in his mouth, and layering oil paints on canvas was challenging, causing mouth pain and drooling. Yet, he persevered, focusing intently on each stroke. It took him nearly two months, sometimes longer, to complete a single piece, but Chiang found joy in the process, slowly adding vibrant colors to his new life and leaving behind the shadows of the past. After nearly three years, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital recognized the value of his artwork, offering him a steady income.
In 2021, Chiang fulfilled a 20-year wish. "Since my injury, I had never given my parents a red envelope for Chinese New Year," he said. That year, he was finally able to give them one, an act that not only expressed his gratitude and apology but also affirmed his self-worth.
Chiang's mother also attended the 2023 "Art of Spinal Cord Injury Joint Oil Painting Exhibition," watching her son's creations with immense pride. Her eyes filled with satisfaction as she saw the culmination of his efforts, painting stroke by stroke with a brush held in his mouth. She was overjoyed that her son had developed a skill, found his purpose, and could now support himself.
Inspiring Others Through Service
"My years in bed were like being trapped in a dark prison, just eating and waiting to die. When I was in a bad mood, I would lash out at my family, refusing to listen to anything," Chiang recounted. Encouraged by Superintendent Chien, he joined the Tzu Chi volunteer training in 2020 and began sharing his story with the public. Tseng, who had long wished to become a volunteer, also enrolled in the training at Yu-Kuei Sun's encouragement. Both Chiang and Tseng completed their online courses during the pandemic, participated in community visits, and spoke at schools, sharing their transformative journeys to inspire others facing similar challenges.
"Lighting the spark of a broken life illuminates more people," Chiang stated. "Tzu Chi volunteers gave me love, and I want to pass that love on." With continued support from Tzu Chi's charity and medical missions, Chiang now sustains himself through his paintings and a small business selling dried fruits, opening new possibilities for his life. Having emerged from the depths of despair, Chiang is dedicated to sharing this love with more people in need.
Written by Tzu Chi Foundation
Translated by Siri Su (蘇錦琍)
Source: 在床上躺了十五年 點燃殘缺生命的火花
