20091028 The story of a family renewed

The story of a family renewed

Zhang Guowen is a Tzu Chi care recipient in Penang, Malaysia who was diagnosed with leukemia three years ago. Only 28 years old at the time, Zhang's own parents were not in good health. Fortunately, Tzu Chi volunteers entered his life, helping him to find a bone marrow match that allowed him to undergo a marrow transplant, from which he made a near total recovery.

Stricken mother, stricken family

Each tree in the woods fulfills its mission of protecting both the earth and living beings. 28-year-old Zhang Guowen cares for his entire family much the same. Three years ago Guowen donated blood, and discovered he had developed cancer. As he fought the disease, Tzu Chi entered his life, and what seemed a hopeless situation was soon transformed by blessings and love.

Tzu Chi care recipient , Zhang Guowen:
"My report said I had leukemia. It was a shock, like the sky was falling. Everything I was carrying -- my job, my family, my cares -- seemed to halt. I didn't know what to do."

The year the great trials began
In 2005, Guowen's mother had a stroke, and only a year later he was diagnosed with Leukemia. The household of four now had two suffering dire illnesses, one of them the main breadwinner. As the money slowly failed, they needed help. Then Tzu Chi arrived; they were able to find a perfect bone marrow match, and encouraged the young man by arranging for surgery.

Tzu Chi care recipient, Zhang Guowen:
"Mama, tomorrow I must go to Kuala Lumpur. You must wait for me 'til I get back."

Once he arrived in Kuala Lumpur, Tzu Chi's help sustained Guowen and his sister, overcoming all crises.

Tzu Chi care recipient, Zhang Guowen:
"The Tzu Chi brothers and sisters are like our own family, looking after us, relieving us of our worries, and to get better from our illnesses."

Tzu Chi TIMA nurse, Zhou Chunxiu:
"I know that, with respect to Guowen and his sister, first they saw their mother like this, then they were told they'd need to go abroad for treatment -- I could understand their feelings. They really couldn't rest easy. We told them they needed to give their parents' care over to us for a bit. I'd treat her like she was my own mother."

Tzu Chi care recipient, Zhang Guowen:
"The marrow doctor left me feeling really moved by his selflessness, and respect for life."

The love of many, and their healing care
So many people ensured this marrow would reach its intended recipient, to give Guowen a new lease on life, that the young man is now filled with appreciation for every opportunity he's given to express his gratitude.

Tzu Chi care recipient, Zhang Guowen:
"Two years ago, this card gave me hope. I had to ensure I become healthy again. I sent blessing cards to bone marrow recipients, hoping for them to feel the same as me, all that love and care."

Terminal disease is agony. Knowing the value of a second chance, Guowen and his sister have turned more inward, and joined Tzu Chi as volunteers, to give back to all humankind.

Giving whatever they can
After many years, the Zhang's matriarch passed away last June. Although they have little money, the family decided to donate to the Tzu Chi foundation the money collected from their mother's funeral.

Tzu Chi care recipient, Zhang Guowen:
"I want to use these blessings for my mother to help others."

New life, new love
A second chance at life is precious, and can renew an entire family. Zhang Guowen has found in himself a new devotion to helping others -- and has become a new part of a truer humanity.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Tzu Chi
• Volunteer
• New Life
• Penang