My son Ho Hin was diagnosed with medulloblastoma when he wasn’t even one year old. I needed to start a long journey of treatment with him on my own because at that time my husband was working in the Mainland. Thankfully a social worker concerned our case and referred us to move into the Ronald McDonald Charities House^®. Afterwards, my son suffered from another illness, and we moved into the House again.

The first time we moved into the House was in 1997. Ho Hin was the youngest resident at that time and we surrounded by love and care. With the unconditional effort from staff and other parents housed there, I received support and comfort every day. I managed to walk out of the darkness in the hopeless days, revive and gain energy for the days ahead.

Time files. Ho Hin is now an adult. However, his health did not get better. When he was in primary school, his cochlear implant failed to function and effected his hearing and communication ability. I had to help him change to a school for children with special education needs. Two years after, he went through another challenge as metal board was installed in his back, replacing his backbone due to serious scoliosis. Due to such changes, he wasn’t able to move around freely and couldn’t balance well. His legs were tensed and the muscles were gradually shrinking. Since then, he had to get by on a wheelchair.

Despite the challenges and difficulties every day, my son persisted with determination and hard work – all because of support and love not only from his father, younger brother and sister, and me; but also friends and teachers who walked him through the journey. The support and encouragement from these angels became the motivation for him to face all these challenges. I’m very thankful that he is such a simple and straight forward person. Whenever Ho Hin is frustrated, a bus miniature can simply cheer him up since he dreams to be a bus driver. I used this trick to help him through many ups and downs.

Today, I still take care of Ho Hin day in day out with love and effort. In order to slow down the pace of his muscle shrinking, I insist on helping him to stretch every day. I offer my utmost effort to endure that my lovely son can enjoy his daily life and help him become an optimistic, brave, and persistent person.

Those who know Ho Hin and I would wonder how we could face this adversity so positively. I feel very comforted by my son’s bravery and persistence which also encourages me to be even more strong, brave, and determined. Passing on the love by all the doctors, nurses, and many people who have helped us along the way, I have been participating in community service for many years. I believe through sharing and passing on this love, more and more people can be blessed.

Mother of Ho Hin